strut alligment

Finally I started with the strut alligment..
Had to correct the shaft entry angle It would enter the strut on the uppr part and exit in the lower part..so the sahft rubbed against the bearing..causing wear and a thuuuu sound....
So my idea is to shim the back of the strut to change the angle..
So I removed the bolts, then the alluminum plate in the inside..and then startes working with a putty knife and a cutter to remove the sealant around the strut...once I got It all out..I got a bubba lapsus and pry using a screw driver between the the strut base and hull and chipped the gel    ...
Then I started to slowly work it with a small thin spatula and a hammer from the corners, and slowly to the center...finally after working it for a while I got it loose..cleaned all the sealant from the base and hull.
So after cleaning and before of assemble it again I wanted to make sure the shim would work..so I put 1 ss washer on each rear bolt between strut and hull..then tighten everything and tested...WOW
what a difference...shaft spins totally loose no rubbing sound..and it turns dry with the pinky
Angle changed with the shim now the shaft if centered to the strut...not crossed like before....
I worked on the boat 4 hours and still didn't finish...It was late and had to take care of the family.
I will finish during the week...

NOw my doubts..are the ss washer good shims or should a use another method?
Bolts holes in the hull are litle bigger than the bolts so it hace some play..so how do I make sure I have it centered?

To this point I only tested the position..will bed everything once i´m sure its ok..I was going to use either 5200 or sika 292 or 291...
I didn´t remove the shaft to this point..so the position should be close..next time I will meke sure it all lined out and the bed everything....
About the bushing I will wait and see if its ok...

Seb,
I doubt any solvent will go after the old bedding compound. CC probably used silicone and once cured nothing will cut it. Even if they used the good stuff (polyurethane), the same applies. Your best bet is to sand it off then before the 4200 just clean it with some acetone.

I see the 4200 is fast cure..and the 5200 low cure?

Seb,
I'm gone for a couple hours and you answer your own questions!!

SOO..that bushing is here at the rediculous amount of $200, I was today with my prop guy and upon inpection of the strut he told me i´m fine with the actual bushing....
So i will assemble like this and order one from US..that its gonna be cheaper then getting it here...

jfarc wrote: When I pulled my bearing out (came out fairly easily, maybe I was lucky) I found that there was a 4" and a 2" bearing. I am the 2nd owner of the boat (I've had it for 23 yrs) and I don't believe this has ever been replaced. Odd they used 2 diff length bearings instead of the one 6".

The two cutlass bearings aren't original. All you really need is the 4" long. Install it flush with the aft end of the strut.

BTW has anybody come out with a hand cleaner able to remove the sealant residue??? I still have sealant in my hands LOL..tryed degreaser, fuel, thinner, acetone, soap with sand.etc...still no luck...

I also Lapped the prop following pete´s intructions..my friend couln´t believe it...

I will double check in water..thats why I didn´t put the floor panel back and the seat....

shouldn't take very long at all just loosen the bolts on the coupling and measure rotate measure yada yada yada done.

It should be pretty close all ready if you can get in a shallow area just spin the prop by hand and do the feel test as you rotate it, if it spins free then you should be could to go.

so picked the boat today to take it the marina,,,
while at the shop looks like a cat peede on the carpet..
it stinks a little....

8122pbrainard wrote: jfarc wrote: When I pulled my bearing out (came out fairly easily, maybe I was lucky) I found that there was a 4" and a 2" bearing. I am the 2nd owner of the boat (I've had it for 23 yrs) and I don't believe this has ever been replaced. Odd they used 2 diff length bearings instead of the one 6". The two cutlass bearings aren't original. All you really need is the 4" long. Install it flush with the aft end of the strut.

Pete, I´m about order a new bearing..any idea where to order the 4"?

They seem to have the 2 pieces bearing....
same as the one in the other vendor..
shipping I will have it send to CA as my brother is flying there next week...he will bring it in his luggage then...


bearing?