Bushings for 7.3 Rudder

[dakuehn]

I removed the rudder and the bushings are the originals for 1983...any suggestions on where to find some suitable replacements? West Marine, Home Depot and Lowes were a bust.

[windswimmer]

What are they made of? where are you located?

[dakuehn]

windswimmer,
I am in Dallas--they look like simple thin walled nylon. I think more like a sleeve that goes over the shaft than a true bushing.
Thanks

[windswimmer]

I was thinking if they were made of brass or some metal I have a freind with a machine shop that might could make some but I have never sen him work with nylon or plastic. my boat is on a trailer in the front yard how hard was it to drop the rudder as I will be doing this sometime in the near future. Thanks

Myers

[dakuehn]

Windswimmer,
Getting the pin out of the neck was the only difficult part--alot of 3 in 1 oil was used and you need to punch the pin out in the correct direction, but I thought that was obvious.

[windswimmer]

Thanks it might be obvious but truth is I haven't looked at it yet so I figured alittle info can never hurt I will get to it this summer sometime. good luck with your projects keep in touch. Be Safe
Greg

[yotphix]

Most machinists will turn you a teflon or plastic bushing. It is no harder for them then metal would be. You might have to provide them with the stock though. Do a google search for plastics suppliers in your area and you should be able to findd some teflon, HDPE or nylon that will do the job.

[windswimmer]

Makes perfect sense to me thanks Be safe

Myers