This month we are going to re-pack our shaft logs and learn how to replace a strut bearing.

Packing is a paraffin impregnated flax material. It has been done this way for years. If properly maintained, you will always have a dry bilge. The packing used for a shaft log (stuffing box) is the same used for the rudder. We will now go step by step.

Remove the propeller from the propeller shaft. You might need a prop puller. Some people use a metal wedge from the strut to the prop. I prefer a prop puller.
Next, loosen and remove the set screws on the transmission to shaft coupler. They are usually safety wired. Cut the wire and remove.
Next, using a coupling nut to a slide hammer, remove the shaft from the coupler. Leave the coupler bolted to the transmission. Using the slide hammer, pound the shaft out of the coupler.
Loosen jam nut from the cone-shaped nut and unsrcew the cone from the shaft log.
Remove the old packing from the cap.
Using the shaft as a gauge, cut 2 or 3 individual rings, cut with razor blade, the exact diameter as the shaft.
Install the rings in the cup with the cut joints 18 degrees apart. If you can, use three to do it. Some will take two.
Lubricate the shaft with some light oil to make sure the shaft passes through.
Put the cup nut on the shaft log loose and then put the shaft back in. Line up the key way to the coupler and drive it back in with your slide hammer, or a short piece of 2 by 4 hitting on the end grain. Do not hit the shaft with a hammer.
Line up the 'D' dents in the shaft and then put in the screws.
Safety wire them so they do not come loose.
Hand tighten the cone nut. Put the boat in the water and adjust it until it stops leaking.
Run the boat a short distance and readjust.
Tighten the jam nut against the cine nut and you are finished.
Use the boat, but check to see if you have to readjust the cone after it wears in.
Do not over tighten or you will spin the rubber hose.
Use the same procedures for your rudder.

Note: Packing comes in sizes 1/8 x 1/8, 1/4 x 1/4, 3/8 x 3/8, etc. We have all sizes in stock.

Strut Bearing:

Remove the propeller from the shaft.
Remove the bolts, holding the strut to the bottom and slide the strut off the shaft.
If you have a press, use it to press out the old strut bearing and press the new one on. Lubricate the new strut bearing before.
If you don't have press, use a hack saw, remove the blade, pass it through the inside of the strut and re-connect it to the hack saw blade.
Carefully, cut through the rubber and brass portion of the old strut bearing. Be careful not to get it into the strut.
Take a flat screw driver and curl up the cut edge and knock the old bearing out.
Get some 3/4" thread rod, two nuts and two washers - slide the threaded rod through the strut and bearing.
Lubricate the bearing and start it into the strut by hand. Make sure you are starting it straight.
Now, with wrenches, gently tighten the nut and the bearing will go in. Make sure it is straight.
When it is all the way in, remove the threaded rod.
Install the strut. Make sure you bed it in with bedding compound.
Double nut the strut bolts and put on the propeller.