Cussing the prop shaft coupler

what are you trying to accomplish? new shaft?
new coupler?
are you using 4 bolts? be more specific

i'm trying to replace the strut bearings, using 4 pieces of 3/8" threaded rod and a socket. I only have enough room to put a shallow socket in the middle, even after removing all of the packing from the stuffing box. the socket is centered and only pushing on the shaft. all four tightened evenly as the shaft still turn fairly easily. Once snugged up the nuts wont budge. I think the threads are giving out in the nuts before it budges. I really don't want to pull the strut as i understand it must be aligned. I think the air hammer is the last option. It popped once but only moved a 1/16" or less. I'm thinking the tension from the puller rig with the vibration from the air hammer may get her moving.

Can you put something under it to protect the bilge, and hit it with more heat?
The shaft will come out the other way, too, if the motor isn't in the way

Howdy neighbor and welcome aboard!

I don't think pulling the strut will help much. The 'easy' way for me is to pull the engine...the alignment doesn't worry me anymore.

Give me a call if you like.

770-536-2328

Boat Dr. told me since the stainless shaft has a higher rate of thermal expansion than the steel coupler, heating it just makes it tighter.

well... with grade 8 hardware I got it moving. That is if you consider 3/8" over two hours moving! I hosed it all down with pb blaster and filled the pinch bolt holes with pb. I'm planning to let it soak overnight and go at it again in the morning. I did end up hitting it with my bosch bulldog set on hammer, seems like if I snug up all my bolts then add some vibration from the bulldog it moves. Maybe by this time tomorrow it'll be out!

Thanks guys.

I tried everything also on mine..hours upon hours. I finally removed my strut and was able to get a 3 arm puller to fit in there. After soaking for days in PB, I would tighten the puller to the point of explosion, then hit the coupler with a hammer..everything would fall off but it would move quite a bit. Ended up taking less than an hour this way though...but that is not counting the little bit of time re-installing the strut.

Got it out and back in already. worked on it all day today. Without this site I wouldn't have known how to do it.

The boat is actually a 1989 Ski Centurion Falcon Open Bow.

I also noticed my rudder port was loose so I removed and reinstalled it. I did however notice there is some rot in that area. I'm going to gamble that it will hold up till it can be repaired after the season. The boat lives in my garage except for the weekends and that area is reinforced. No money to fix it right now, and I'm no fiberglass guru.

Thanks Guys.