Mk 1 34 Prop Shaft Bearing?

[Undine]

Hello,
I recently bought a 1980 Mk1 34. I can see about 2' of the prop shaft aft of the transmission and the shaft's aft end going into the dripless shaft seal, but not the middle section, as it is under the generator. Does the shaft pass through a carrier bearing in that inaccessible area? Thanks for any info..
Neil
Meander
M34 Mk 1

 

[Keysdisease]

Yes, there is a bearing supported by the bulkhead the shaft passes through on its way to the shaft seal / stuffing box.

 

[Undine]

Thanks for the info. Looks like a mirror on a stick situation.

 

[rhakct]

you'll find it in the area under the sliding door, mine is mounted on the aft side of the bulkhead, some I've heard were mounted on the forward side. The REAL joy comes in greasing it, on mine, lift the lazerette cover on the aft deck and open the lower cover that shows the stuffing box, now you have to stand on your head and look forward under the lower cover and you'll see it "just out of reach" - it can be done..

 

[Keysdisease]

At the Mainship Yahoo site I remembered seeing several conversations over the years about this bearing. It appears as if it is a "Sealmaster SF22 - specify diameter" which is probably available at Grainger or McMaster Carr.
Mine is on the front of the bulkhead, as mentioned some are on the back.
There is a zirk fitting on most for a shot of grease once in awhile.

 

[stubones99]

If you have a laptop with an available USB port, look at the USB video camera that Amazon has:
Econoled 10m 30ft Waterproof USB Borescope Endoscope Inspection Tube Pipe Camera.

It is $14.00 and has a long cable, watertight brass camera head and is waterproof. You can even stick it to your boathook and look under the boat, or tape it to the straight part of your boat hook and see what you can see in those deep dark spaces. It has LED lights around the camera too..

I know there are others that have displays built on but not for under $15.00

I've had mine for about a year and had numerous uses for it.

stu

 

[jleonard]

At the Mainship Yahoo site I remembered seeing several conversations over the years about this bearing. It appears as if it is a "Sealmaster SF22 - specify diameter" which is probably available at Grainger or McMaster Carr.
Mine is on the front of the bulkhead, as mentioned some are on the back.
There is a zirk fitting on most for a shot of grease once in awhile.

To expand:
The OEM bearing was a Torrington/Fafnir RCJC 1 3/8" (the 1978 boats used a 1 1/2").
These are most likely no longer available so ask for a suitable replacement at an industrial bearing supplier or as mentioned above.
Make sure the bearing has a locking collar. This means the inner bearing race (the one that touches the prop shaft) can be locked so that the race turns inside the bearing (not the shaft turning inside the race).
Some bearings have collars that lock in only one direction...you need it to lock in both directions (otherwise it will unlock in reverse gear).
A shot of grease once a season should make the bearing last forever.
You can also extend the grease fitting by using a length of hydraulic hose. Or put an automatic grease feeder on it (cost about $20).

 

[Keysdisease]

Hello Jay,

In my search of the Yahoo site I came across many of your posts about this as you are the "bearing guy." Nice to hear from you again

May you have a fun and safe boating season

Steve Moyer

 

[jleonard]

Thanks Steve...You too!
(I miss my Mainship)