Engine Alignment; Propeller Installation; Propeller Removal; Shaft Seal Assembly - Back Cove Yachts Back Cove 30 Owner's Manual

(Fig_6.6-2)
The components of the driveline system, especially
the propeller, are specifically selected for the Back
Cove 30. Any replacement should be with identical
parts. The driveline system must be inspected
periodically to assure correct operation. Ignoring
relatively inexpensive maintenance can result in a
large expense.
A. Engine Alignment
Careful alignment is critical. An array of problems
ranging from excessive vibration and noise to
extensive wear of engine parts may occur as a result
of misalignment. Experienced
personnel should carry out engine alignments. The
engine and shaft are aligned when first installed. It is
necessary to re-align the engine to the shaft after
launching. Fuel and water tanks should be about half-
full and the usual equipment should be on board.
A feeler gauge is used to check that the coupling
flanges come precisely together at all points. If the
couplings are misaligned, the engine is shifted by
tilting, lowering, raising, and turning until the coupling
flanges meet evenly in all directions without the use
of force.
Note:
After the boat has been in the water for two or
three weeks, the alignment should be checked
again. At this time, further adjustment may be
necessary.
Misalignment of driveline will damage engine
components.
B.

Propeller Removal

To remove the propeller, take out the cotter pin and
carefully back off the lock nuts. The propeller puller
should rest directly on the end of the propeller shaft,
and be installed straight and centered. Tapping the
propeller with a soft mallet will often help loosen a
hard-pulling propeller.
marine service
C.

Propeller Installation

- Thoroughly check the inside of the propeller hub,
shaft, key way, and key for dirt, corrosion, and
other conditions which may interfere with proper
seating.
- Slide the propeller onto the shaft without the key
and mark the position of the propeller on the shaft
with a non-graphite marker.
- Remove the propeller from the shaft.
- Place the key in the shaft and install the propeller
verifying it is positioned at the mark. Care must be
taken to prevent the propeller from riding the key
up the shaft.
- Install the propeller jam nut (larger) and tighten to
seat the propeller. Remove the propeller jam nut.
- Install and tighten the propeller nut (smaller). Re-
install the propeller jam nut and tighten.
- Install the cotter pin. The pin will prevent the loss of
the nuts if they come loose in service.
(see Fig_6.6-4)
(Fig_6.6-4)
D. Shaft Seal Assembly
(Fig_6.6-1)
The shaft seal assembly (see Fig_6.6-1) is essential
to the safety and performance of the Back Cove. It is
a modern, drip-less type shaft seal.
The seal is connected to the shaft thru hull by a
flexible compression bellows tube and held in place
by hose clamps. The seal is injected with water from
the raw water section of the cooling system. With the
bellows compressed, the graphite side of the seal
maintains contact with the stainless steel ring
attached to the shaft. If adjustment to the system is
required, the stainless steel ring is secured with a