Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Engines, Shafts, Steering, Struts, Rudders, etc.
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jtalberts
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Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by jtalberts »

I can't remember if I posted this on the old forum or not. My Seacrest has twin Chrysler 318s with Velvet Drive transmissions and Walter Vdrives. When in forward or reverse I notice that the port shaft is oscillating while it is rotating. I do have some work this off season on this side of the boat as my port strut has some corrosion issues and will be replacing it. I do have a spare prop shaft that came with the boat that I am going to validate it is straight and try to swap it out. I was looking at adding drive savers to both shafts while I am doing the work just to cover myself from the isolation as I do have active corrosion on the port side strut and just above the prop.

Question 1:

What is the best way to go about validating that my alignment is good? I am purchasing some feeler gauges tonight and will start measuring it out that way. I have never aligned a transmission at all and getting a professional in my area is tough as there isn't anyone around that works on boats anymore.

Question 2:

Anyone that has used the drive saver have an issues? I am just concerned with the longevity of it.
1973 Marinette Seacrest Executive
41x14
Twin Chrysler 340's with Velvet Drive 71C
"Figment"
Fastjeff
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Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by Fastjeff »

A machine shop is your only choice--and have them face the coupling in a lathe while you're at it (with the coupling mounted on the shaft. Be sure to mark how that coupling went on the shaft--some can go on two different ways!)

That oscillating sounds like a bent you-know-what.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
Cabinfever
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Re: Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by Cabinfever »

Your flange has a 3 thousandths tolerance. When I did mine, I slid the shaft back, removed the isolator, slid the shaft back forward and measured between the couplers. You can use nylon washers to isolate your bolts, or nuts depending on witch way you put your bolts in. Beware of metal to metal contact where the threads may touch the flange inside the bolt hole (tube side....keep reading). The isolator has tubes built into it that go through the coupler, make sure these are not wore out, they are what isolate the threads of the bolt from the flange. On a side note, the non-conductive washers are supposed to go on the (tube side) of the isolator, otherwise the head of the bolt (or nut) will have contact through the two couplers, you don't need non-conductive washers on the (non-tube side), the bolt (or nut) will have contact with one flange but no the other because of the "tubes" and the non-conductive washers, current will not pass through.

It is not a bad job, I did mine out of the water and have had no problems, I have heard you are supposed to do it in the water because of hull flex.

Be careful when prying the isolator out of the flange, the "tubes" that go through the bolt holes can easily break.
Joe
1977 28 Express
Single 318
(RESTORATION IS ALL THE ROUTINE MATIANANCE AT ONCE)
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bill
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Location: Grosse Ile MI

Re: Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by bill »

I have never done a alignment on a v drive. :!:
I can imagine that there is not a lot of room around the coupling area. :o
Sounds like a Youngman's sport. 8-)
Bill
Former owner of
ALUMINATION
Grosse Ile MI
Located on LakeErie
37' F/B Sedan
1975
Twin 360 Chrysler Marine
Raw water cooled
Hydraulic steering both helms
USCG Master Lic. Retired[/color]
Third Owner bill
Fastjeff
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Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by Fastjeff »

..."I can imagine that there is not a lot of room around the coupling area"

It's not as bad as wrassling a crockagator, in a mud hole, with diarrhea, but it's close.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
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bill
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Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:17 am
Location: Grosse Ile MI

Re: Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by bill »

:lol: What he said. :roll:
Bill
Former owner of
ALUMINATION
Grosse Ile MI
Located on LakeErie
37' F/B Sedan
1975
Twin 360 Chrysler Marine
Raw water cooled
Hydraulic steering both helms
USCG Master Lic. Retired[/color]
Third Owner bill
jtalberts
Aluminum Star
Posts: 133
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:30 pm

Re: Vdrive/Transmission Alignment

Post by jtalberts »

This one is remote mounted so it isn't as bad as a direct attached. Still a pain though.
1973 Marinette Seacrest Executive
41x14
Twin Chrysler 340's with Velvet Drive 71C
"Figment"
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