BENT CUTLASS HOUSING

I guess what I bent is the strut. Sorry.

Guess the question is:

1. Can it be straightened?
2. Do I want to straighten it or buy a replacement?
3. What other damage should I look for?
4   Why did the engine cut off when I got on top of the stump?
5. Can I make the repairs myself or do I take it somewhere?

Gary,

Thanks. I'm not sure the prop shops around here could handle it or not but if you or anyone else has a suggestion anywhere in the country of a shop that definitely could handle it, I will ship it to them.

Now, finding out how to remove the drive shaft and everything else is another story. I will start scanning the forum for past situations like this. Any help is always appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

gun-driver wrote: Post some pic's so we can see how bad it is. They tweek left and right easily to straighten but if the base is bent they become a bit@h. To pull the shaft you have to drop the strut and remove the drive shaft coupler.

I tried to take a couple of pictures but I have not taken the prop off yet so you can't accurately see the severity. I will take the prop off in the morning and post some pictures then.

Unless I hear otherwise, I will get up early in the morning take the prop off, then try and remove the strut, then try and remove the drive shaft. If anyone has any secrets or advice on this dissasembly, please respond before I get at it in the morning.

Btw, this is causing major anxiety as I am planning on going to the music city mini in 19 days so I need to get this fixed.

Thanks,

Scott

Thanks for the tool picture.

Going outside now to try and take it apart. Called the local Mastercraft dealer(we don't have a Nautique Dealer around) and White lake Marine and they both said they don't even discuss straightening a strut and just replace them with new pieces.

Thought?

gun-driver wrote: Coupler removal. If you use 3/8 all-thread you won't need all the washers.

I am starting to press it out using your photo.

Probably have to make a run to Lowe's as I doubt if I have the right size bolts.

anthonylizardi wrote: I got my strut straigthen by Murphy's Prop in VA. Their service was great and quick. Most local prop shop didn't want to repair it but Murphy's they told me they have done this before. This shop was recommended by somebody on this forum and it worked for me. It looks very good. You might want ot check around town and if you can't find anybody local give them a call I think their number is 757.853.4731. If I recall correctly they charge me $75 with a a new cutlass bearing. I stripped the hex set scre and they took care of that too. This is how it used to be. Perfect when I got it back.

Thank for the input.

I talked with a company in Michigan today called Marine Machining. A local boat shop recommended them and they were the first google search that appears when I typed "Strut Straightening". Talked with a guy named Will and it sounds like they are where I might send my shaft and strut. They seemed absolutely positive they could fix me up.

Speaking of the shaft, when I put the socket between the flanges to push the drive shaft out, I noticed what looked like a square "key" hole, on the propeller side flange. Does anyone know if I push on it and the shaft or just the shaft bypassing this little square?

Also, how much do I push before the drive shaft separates from the flange?

Thanks everyone.

Scott

Yeap! I got a new ARE shaft.

After about 5hrs, strut and drive shaft removed and on a FEDEX plane to Michigan tonight. Shaft did not look bent but I sent it anyway. Prop will be ready tomorrow.

GUN DRIVER is THE MAN and knows his stuff. He can bring less beer to Nashville because he has one coming frm me