PROPSHAFT REMOVAL

[PAUL T.]

Hello All...
Just took the boat out of the water Friday for bottom paint and other small projects.  I thought I came well prepared but, i'm having problems removing the 4 bolts from the prop shaft flange.  Seems as though one needs alot of torque, and not enough room for the tools.  Also, how do you keep the prop shaft from turning?  Thanks in advance.
Paul and Pam

[SteveLyle]

the first thing I'd try to keep the shaft from turning is to put the tranny in gear.

[PAUL T.]

Hello again ..... Thanks for your suggestion Steve.  Your idea sounds good but I was able to overpower engine with the wrench and turn the engine.  I did find a way to break the bolts loose. I put the 9/16 box wrench on the nut and leveraged it against the floor while I turned the bolt with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet. Now all I have to do is get the flange off. I have some great ideas on how to do this from this website. thanx for the help......PAUL.

[jentine]

The flange is removed from the shaft using a 2 pound hammer and beating it off.  Strike the flange around the perifery in equal strikes.  It will come right off.
While you have it off, you might consider replacing the flax packing with a dripless seal, if you haven't already.
Jim Kane