Shaft bearing replacement Morgan OI

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Is this what you have? Nt too uncommon on trawlers etc...

You are the only one so far offering any sense. A pillow block bearing is not that uncommon. Beats loading the transmission with run out.JMHO

[pcmm]

What you are talking about is a mid-bearing. And its actually in 2 pieces, the housing ( which is cast iron and has a grease fitting) and the bearing iteslf which rides in it. The bearing only costs around $30 to replace if the housing is still in good condition. but you have to pull the shaft back far enough to release it from the bearing. The bearing can then be turned 90 degrees and pulled from the housing. I found the new bearing needed a bit of work with a rotary file to actually get it to fit the 1 1/4" shaft.

I literally just finished doing this job this afternoon on my Morgan OI 41.

If you haven't already, join the Morgan 41 OI Owners group on facebook. Its very active with lots of knowledgeable and helpful owners

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by snotter

Just replaced my mid bearing on my oi. Got my bearing from McMaster Carr. The hard part is loosing the bottom of the rudder and pulling the shaft back past the rudder. You might as well pull the shaft out and replace the stern bearing too. It will likely need it.

Note that you do not have to loosen the bottom of the rudder to get this done! just turn the rudder about 20 degrees to starboard. There is a scoop out of the rudder that will allow you to remove the shaft (with the prop removed) without having to mess with the rudder attachment. Been there on my OI this past winter. just reinstalled the shaft today!

[skipgundlach]

Pictures: Flying Pig Refit 2011-2012/Maxprop - Shaft - Bearing

[snotter]

Originally Posted by pcmm

Note that you do not have to loosen the bottom of the rudder to get this done! just turn the rudder about 20 degrees to starboard. There is a scoop out of the rudder that will allow you to remove the shaft (with the prop removed) without having to mess with the rudder attachment. Been there on my OI this past winter. just reinstalled the shaft today!

Not all OI's are the same. My 1980 415, which had the offset shaft, required removing the bottom rudder mount so that I could get a bit more room to get the shaft past the rudder. However, my rudder bearing was worn. I wound up dropping the rudder, grinding out the bearing and putting a modified Buck Algonquin rudder post on and re-glassing it in.

And yes, I too recommend replacing the stuffing box. It would be a good time to examine the shaft to ensure the stuffing box has a good surface to seal against. Perhaps a new shaft or a longer or shorter stuffing box hose if the old shaft is true and salvageable.

[Paul M]

Thanks guys. We hoped to find a slip bearing for this but apparently they don't exist for 1 1/4 inch shaft. Also, wondering about adding a second bearing to the forward casing. Is that possible or does the housing just accommodate one aft bearing?

[Paul M]

This is a 1973 OI. We already repacked the stuffing box when we replaced the flywheel a couple of weeks. There seems to be enough room to slide the shaft back 6 inches or so without messing with the rudder.

Next challenge is getting the casing plate off on the forward end of the shaft at transmission to put on new bearing.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Paul M

Thanks guys. We hoped to find a slip bearing for this but apparently they don't exist for 1 1/4 inch shaft. Also, wondering about adding a second bearing to the forward casing. Is that possible or does the housing just accommodate one aft bearing?

That sounded strange so I looked briefly. I found 11/4 inch pillow block bearings right off the gitgo. BearingsOn.com. I didn't look at any other suppliers simce I'm not in the market for one.
FYI

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by Paul M

This is a 1973 OI. We already repacked the stuffing box when we replaced the flywheel a couple of weeks. There seems to be enough room to slide the shaft back 6 inches or so without messing with the rudder.

Next challenge is getting the casing plate off on the forward end of the shaft at transmission to put on new bearing.

PB Blaster is your friend here.

[Paul M]

Thank you, I'll check it out. We went to a supplier in St Pete and was told they don't exist. Is a pillow block the same as a slip bearing so the shaft doesn't have to disconnected?

[stillbuilding]

Surely there is some sort of two - part/ split bearing available for this function?

[stillbuilding]

Any reason not to replace the stern gland packing with a dripless seal and get rid of all that fooling about with packing?

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by stillbuilding

Surely there is some sort of two - part/ split bearing available for this function?

It appears not. It would be a bushing which requires constant lube similar to a rod journal bushing?

[stillbuilding]

I have not checked out the detail but SKF seem to make split spherical bearings that would make replacement easy.

[skipgundlach]

I looked into split SS bearings. They do exist, but are insanely expensive...