Major V-Drive Expertise Needed!

[Quinner]

Try some acetone/atf at 50/50 for penetrating oil. MUCH better then PB

[homer12]

Is the coupler just frozen on to another coupler or stuck to the shaft as well? I would think tapping the sides of the coupler lightly with a hammer and blocks of wood might loosen it up. Careful not to damage internal drive though. Heat from a torch might help as well. Just be careful with whatever penetrating oil your using.


Sent from my iPhone using PLANETNAUTIQUE mobile app

[Quinner]

OK guys, I'm convinced that the nut I found belongs on the shaft. It can turn about a half-turn or so, but there's just no way this thing isn't the one. It's got black paint on it to match the coupler, and it is the same size as the shadow of the one that used to be on there (I can see its shadow in the rust, see pic).
Now I'm trying to figure out how to go about doing two things...first, separating the coupler apart. I removed the four bolts, but it's rusted together as you can see in the pics (yes, I know my bilge is disgusting...winter project this year is to pull the tranny/vdrive and sandblast/repaint them, clean the bilge, etc.). Second, I assume I need to push the shaft out, which I also assume I cannot do until I separate that coupler. Then, once the shaft is out, I can see how the **** it backed out, and what the status is of the brass key. I think I'm going to find it's all off in there due to the shaft backing out.
ALSO, there is evidence that the shaft backed out a little...the rust has a nice, clean ring of fresh metal visible inside that hub, which suggests it backed out a bit...maybe 2mm.
THEN I'll test the v-drive to be sure it's spinning correctly, re-install the shaft (assuming it's not bent, which it won't be), and hope for the best.
I need your help, though, please.
How the heck should I get this **** coupler apart? PB is soaking on it now, but holy crap this thing is a bear. Any ideas?
Second, once it's apart, should I just use a typical steering wheel puller (or similar) tool to get that shaft backed out? I could use the inner hub as a spot for the puller to latch on.
Here are a couple pics.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]n495192[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n495191[/ATTACH]

Looks like the threads on the taper may have gotten chewed up and the coupler may have issues as well. Probably need to get the coupler and shaft out and have them both looked over. You mentioned a new prop earlier, did you use the proper lapping technique when you installed it? If not you should do that as well be it on this shaft or the replacement. Not sure if there is any special procedure on the coupler end. BTW, the nut you found in the bilge, is it a castle or nylok??

Also, something about "sandblasting" a transmission just does not sound like a good idea, perhaps a wire brush instead.

[t.franscioni]

Yeah what Quinner said, don't sand blast your tranny you will end up with blasting media inside the tranny and ruin it. Best way to refinish your tranny is aerosol paint stripper and a dremel with a wire brush attachment. If there is rust on it after you strip the paint then use a rag soaked in marvel mystery oil and lay it on the rusted area for 20-30 minutes and then come back with your wire brush dremel tool.