Gearshift in neutral or foward

[wchevron]

when sailing, should i keep the gearshift in neutral or forward. does it matter if the prop/shaft is spinning while under sail without the engine running.

[msmith10]

There is always a difference of opinion on this, but I think it is best to leave the unit engaged (I use forward) so the prop shaft does not turn. My thought is that it reduces wear on the bearings. You can also mark the prop shaft so the prop is oriented vertically when you lock the shaft to reduce prop drag somewhat.

[wchevron]

turning for 3-4 hours cause oil? in the bilge. before i went out, i had about 1" of water in the bilge. after sailing and motoring for about 1/2 hr. i went to clean the bilge. the water was black and oily. i couldn't see anything dripping from the motor but i didn't know if the prop turning for all that time could have caused any oil leakage due to the motor not running?

[msmith10]

I would think that if oil was leaking due to the prop shaft turning, it would be coming from the rear seal, and it would leak more with the engine running than with the engine off. I don't think the cause of your oil leak was leaving the shaft spinning with the engine off.

[wchevron]

thanks for the reply. i just wanted to rule out the spinning shaft while sailing as the cause for the oil leak.

[Pete]

Hello all

Finally got the rebuilt A4 installed. She runs like a champ; smooth, quiet.

BUT: (the hassles never end) there's a "new" knock in the propshaft assy.

Not there in Neutral; not there in Reverse. But in"foward" there's a loud click.
It seems to come from the rubber "boot" at the aft end of the shaft (still inside the hull). If I grab that boot thing and squeeze it, the knock disappears???

The guy working with me is a very experienced boat mechanic. We shifted the engine...installed thicker shims under the engine mounts....he tested the shaft with a dial indicator. It was 40/thousands or more out of true. In addition, he re-adjusted the gap in the coupling at the "engine" end of the drive shaft.

It still makes the knocking sound in "foward".

I've been unable to sail the boat for over a year. Thought the new engine would solve the problem. Got lots of good advice from the Moyers!
Now I may have to haul the boat (pearson 28)......but we're not sure yet.

Any advice from you folks???????

I hope your projects are working well.

Thanks

Pete in Northen Calif. (humboldt bay....where the fog never quits!!

That shaft never caused any trouble with the old engine