Separating the shaft flanges

[Jim Hogan]

I am planning to pull my engine for overhaul, and need some advice about disconnecting the prop shaft from the emgine.

Is there an EASY way to separate the flange on the motor shaft from the flange on the prop shaft? I have removed the 3 bolts that hold the 2 flanges together. The flanges seem to be still attached to each other.

Question: does the prop shaft go through the rear flange and project into the motor flange?

As usual, I am trying to work one-handed in the engine compartment. Access is limited

Thanks for any information.

Jim Hogan
Catalina 27 "Necessity"

[Don Moyer]

Jim,

There is nothing holding the prop shaft and engine output couplings together (once the three bolts are removed) except for a shallow male/female flange in the faces of the two couplings. You should be able to pry them apart by tapping a medium-sized screwdriver between them.

Best regards,

Don Moyer

[dtinder]

Anytime you have to mess with the coupling--it ain't good!
There is a product called PB Blaster--a take off (no pun) on Lquid Wrench---that is good stuff. Comes in a pressurized can---so you hit those coupling bolts the night before---next morning the nuts will be off---and the flanges seperated----well, sort of.
The real dilemma is whether or not to use "lock-tight" or "never-sieze" when you reinstall the bolts---any thoughts?
:cool: