How to pull prop shaft?

[dasnider]

Anyone know any tricks for pulling the shaft on an N30? I loosened the setscrews but the shaft is stuck tight in the flange; I tried heating the flange but it still won't come out. I'm replacing the prop so I thought of whacking it with a hammer, but am afraid of damaging the tranny. I also thought of unbolting the flange from the tranny and then yanking the shaft back so the flange hits the stuffing box, but am worried about damaging it. What's the secret??

[USCGRET1990]

If there's room, (after you take the prop off), then let the shaft and flange slide back to the stuffing box. Heat the flange and tap/pound on the shaft inside the flange as best you can. If that doesn't work, try to find a bearing puller that will clamp onto the flange and put presure on the shaft.