[Skeeter Fogger]

I've got a Water Cooled Casale V-drive in my Hallet Mini Cruiser and would like to check the propshaft alignment as there seems to be some vibes over and above the 2 blade menkens prop.

I've done many skiboat type alignments using a feeler gauge between the flat flanges but my current setup has the Split Sleeve Steel Coupler. I've stared at it for about 1/2 hour but can't figure this out on my own.

Any guidance is appreciated.

Ken

 

[jockorace]

Ken,
Sounds like you're already aware of the inherent low speed vibrations when using a 2 blade prop. My thoughts are that even if there is some slight misalignment, that should not produce a vibration. It would surely wear your log seal out quickly. I would suggest first removing your propshaft from the boat and check it for straightness. If your shaft is even slightly bent (especially without a whip strut) it will produce a vibration. Just my .02
Jocko

 

[flat chance]

Check your strut bearing also, may be worn out

 

[Sanitariumflat]

Check your strut bearing also, may be worn out

X2. When mine wore out it shimied like crazy. Also how far is the prop from the strut? It should be very close. 3/8" I think.

 

[Morg]

When you are done checking the prop. shaft for straight & the bushings.

Then clean the coupler & prop. shaft up. Make sure nothing is burred. Everything must be clean & smooth.

You should be able to loosen & spread the coupler. It should be able to smoothly slide back & fourth over the tail shaft & the prop. shaft. The tighter you adjust the coupler the closer the tolerances & the more it will show a misalignment.

I have also seen guy support the prop shaft with a block. This will help the coupler slide more smoothly.

 

[Skeeter Fogger]

The strut bearing is good. Also have a new shaft log with a water cooled bearing and neoprene seal. When I changed the log out everything seemed to go together ok. I did have the sleeve split however. Before I get to far, I may pop a 3 blade on and see if it's just the two blade that I'm not used to.

This is my first v-drive so I'm not quite used to the way it sounds and feels yet. Considering this boat has had very little use in it's 30 year life, I figure I should check everything before I actually break it.

 

[Marko]

A 3 blade might still vibrate. Depends on the prop.

 

[Skeeter Fogger]

I found the actual problem.

The engine had a cam lobe that was chewed down. It was still lifting but only about .100 at the cam. Running on 7.5 out of 8 cylinders would definitely make it vibe.

I took it out last night after we broke in the new cam and it is much smoother now.

 

[J Shelfo]

Wow, and to think, when i get the call that "my new prop is vibrating". I will tell them to check the cam first.

 

[GoFastRacer]

Wow, and to think, when i get the call that "my new prop is vibrating". I will tell them to check the cam first.

hilhil