So I had a broken prop shaft coupling set screw when i first bought the
boat. See pic below.
Since then, I drilled it out, ensuring threads are not altered, and put two new set screws along with some permatex anti seize compound and seizing wire across the two nuts. I am fairly certain set screws are aligned with the shaft dimple. When i was installing the set screws last year i made sure to feel for the dimple in the prop shaft while hand tightening the set screws. Then finishing them off with a wrench and sizing wire.
I am at about 20 hours into the
engine, and a year later and i am noticing that screws are loose and sizing wire is the only thing preventing them from coming out.
I havent taken a good look at them yet but i have a feeling the screws are broken again. Shaft alignment looks very good with
engine in
gear. I do have a
transmission leak which comes out of the coupling, basically sprays
transmission fluid while in
gear. (borg warner 72C series). So i am not sure if one is related to the other.
There is no room for me to separate the coupling while in
water. So i am wondering until next
haul out, what can i do to make sure set screws are in and dont back out. If they are indeed broken, i am thinking of putting new screws and use them as a backing screw with maybe locktite instead of anti seize and put new seizing wire.
I am reluctant to drill through the shaft, that would be some job. But i do need to
motor likely 10-15 hours over the 4th of july Holiday.
Any other ideas?
At next
haul out i need to replace the transmission and i will likely need a new
propeller shaft as i am getting rid of the ancient walter down angle drive.