Strut Alignment - Help Needed
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41301
Printed Date: April-29-2024 at 11:08am
Topic: Strut Alignment - Help Needed
Posted By: Poorhouse
Subject: Strut Alignment - Help Needed
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 11:47am
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Replacing the prop shaft with an ARE. See backstory here: http://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=39482&PN=1&title=stuffing-box-id-and-adjustment" rel="nofollow - Link I'm new to boating and boat ownership. So, I read everything I could on how to do this job and how to align engine to shaft. Prepared to knock this out on Saturday and water test Sunday. LOL, not so fast. What I found is the shaft is very low in the log. I was hoping the cutlass bearing was worn out on the bottom, but it looks new. This puts me in the position of having to align the strut. I'm nervous about opening this can of worms. With the front of the log supported I have 1/8" to 1/4" clearance at the bottom of the log. I know the shaft should be centered, but would this work? I've read it's possible to bend the strut in place to make up for slight misalignment. Is this recommended (or realistic)? If I need to pull the strut what is the correct process to align it? I've read about washers, epoxy wedges, grinding hull or grinding strut. Pics:   ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 12:23pm
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Jake, I suggest some stainless washers between the strut base and hull at the aft end. It won't take many. One under each side will probably do it. Then after a dry fit, re bed the strut in 4200. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 12:31pm
| Presumably the place where you have the shaft supported to is where it spins freely in the strut? If so, then follow petes advice or shave the front end of the base to correct the angle. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 12:56pm
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I figured it has to come out. Is there a recess in the hull to locate the strut? I'm worried I'll lose the alignment I have. It's good right to left. To remove the strut I pull the 6 screws then pull it off. I'm guessing it's going to really be stuck on there with the sealant. Any tricks to get it to release? Do I need to clean out all the old sealant? Once that's done dry fit with washers or grind strut to right angle and confirm fit in log. Then permanently reinstall with 4200 (or 5200?) sealer. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 1:21pm
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I gave mine a kick to knock it loose😁 Yes to the other questions No on the 5200 or you may not get it off next time without taking some gel with it. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 1:49pm
This is why I recommended a dry fit before removing the strut again for bedding. With the 4200, you will have hours to play with the alignment before it starts to cure. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Poorhouse wrote:Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 2:45pm
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All right, I'll get some 4200 on order. How much do I need? I'm seeing it sold in 1/10 gallon size. I suppose I'll do the cutlass bearing while the strut is off. I bought a nylon replacement bearing ($$!) with the intent of replacing it now. The cutlass in there is the rubber type and looks new. With the double taper shaft it would be easy to pull the shaft and check/replace the cutlass in a few years. I test fit the nylon bearing and it is slightly loose on the shaft, maybe 1/32" or so. You can noticeably wiggle it. Is that correct fit? ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 3:32pm
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I "dry" fit with a few layers of masking tape. If you've ever taken a strut off you'll see there is a layer of sealant between the strut and the hull. So, a true metal to gelcoat contact would be closer than the real fit with sealant between. The small 3oz tube will be plenty to reinstall the strut. |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 7:22pm
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Stop at your local Lowes or Home Depot and buy a package of wooden door shims. These are 8" long about 1 1/4 wide and 1/4 inch thick on one end tapering to nearly zero thick on the thin end. Tap a shim into the gap between boat and strut. If you get one shim started then start another next to it. Keep tapping them in and adding more shims as you go till it comes off. Avoids bending or damaging your strut and hull. Got mine off in less than 5 minutes. Mine took both a little sanding on the front and a couple washers at the rear to dial it in. Buy several washers at the hardware store. Each varies a little in thickness and having several gives you options. Get your strut straight then align the engine and trans to it. Good luck Mark ------------- |
Posted By: fgroce
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 9:27pm
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You can get the 4200 in a tube for a caulking gun. ------------- FGroce 88 Ski Nautique For 28 years Now 2002 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 9:44pm
A 10oz. tube will do 10 struts!! 
------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: PLBC
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 10:37pm
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Might have to shim the entire strut? A little in front, more aft. Looks like the shaft is rubbing on the gel already heading into the log. ? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5164&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow - 99 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 10:47pm
Kurt, I don't see where the shaft is rubbing but it's not the best picture ether. Keep in mind this is a Supra. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 10:57pm
Check your spelling Pete: dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/ether ether definition, meaning, what is ether: a clear liquid used, especially in the past, as an anaesthetic to make people sleep ------------- Keep it as original as YOU want it 1978 Mustang (modified) |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: June-19-2017 at 11:32pm
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To me that shaft seems high in the back of the cutlass bearing - you got to replace it before you start aligning things, even if you think it looks new - sorry thats life, no work into old bearings - after that listen to these guys ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: OldSchoolBlue84
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 12:00am
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I had the same issues when installing my ARE, added two washers (one each bolt) at the front bolts of the strut and was good to go. Good luck ------------- Kostas http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6700&sort=&pagenum=1" rel="nofollow - 1984 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 8:25am
Duane, You got me!  Damn spell check doesn't work when you spell correctly but use the wrong word! Actually, it took me a few tries to find "either" ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 10:32am
It isn't rubbing but looks like maybe it was. Here are some better pics.   ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 10:35am
Maybe I'll replace the bearing first and see where that puts me. Any thoughts on the slight play on the new nylon bearing? Normal? ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 11:00am
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Jake, There have been reports of the plastic cutlass bearings having tolerance issues but, depending on the OD of the bearings and the ID of the strut bore, they may press in reducing the play on the shaft. Personally, I like the old fashioned brass and rubber but some members will say I'm old fashioned anyway!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: fgroce
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 8:49pm
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I like the old fashion bearings, they seem to do just fine, I have read on this forum several times were people have had issues with the new improved versions, Either too tight or too loose. ------------- FGroce 88 Ski Nautique For 28 years Now 2002 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: June-20-2017 at 10:04pm
| ^^all true stories. But when those vesconite bearings are toleranced properly... oh man are they sweet. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: June-28-2017 at 4:00pm
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Cutlass bearing installed. Fit seems perfect. Unfortunately it didn't help with the alignment. The strut is going to have to come off. Dog house and back seat has to come out to access the lift up center floor section. I don't think the gas tank will have to come out. I hope not, it's almost full. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: July-01-2017 at 12:47pm
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Removed engine cover and back seat for access to strut bolts. Very easy and everything looks clean and tidy. Lots of 2007 markings on things. I'm guessing to document when the restoration was done. Removed the 6 bolts with no issue. Going to put heat to the strut this morning to see if it will release. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: July-02-2017 at 10:00pm
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Heated up strut for about 5 min and it popped right off. Cleaned up and dry fit with 1/16" washer, dead center. Will set tomorrow then move on to engine. Edit - used MEK for clean up made quick work of whatever sealant was on there. Took pics but photobucket isn't working. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: July-04-2017 at 7:49pm
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Strut installed. Shaft position to log is good. Engine is about 1/4" low. Got the front mount lock nut loose. Rears are a challenge. The nut is bigger than any of my wrenches. My big adjustable is to big to fit in the gap. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: July-20-2017 at 10:01am
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Bought a set of big wrenches. Once the lock nuts were loose the mounts moved easily. Took about 20 minutes to get the engine raised and alignment to less than .003". Not bad. PSS installed. Hope to water test this weekend. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |
Posted By: Poorhouse
Date Posted: July-24-2017 at 10:36am
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Water test was successful. Amazing to see no drips from the PSS. Instructions say there could be some light spray for up to an hour as the faces break in. I didn't get any spray. No vibrations or other issues from alignment. Prop now turns with one finger. Did note the rudder leaking a bit, about a drip every 2 seconds or so. Was able to snug the stuffing box 1/8 of a turn or so when I got home. That should slow it a bit. I'll repack it in the offseason. Thanks for all the help. ------------- Sold - 1986 Supra Sunsport Skier Current - 1996 - MC Prostar 205 I keep doing this wrong. |