[Acameronp]

Hi All,
My wife and I recently bought a 1979 29 foot Super Cruiser. Nice and beamy. However, serious issues with the flange/shaft connection. There is a small brass key that is supposed to hold the shaft in place (along with 2 Allen screws), but anytime you put the boat in gear it throws the pin and you lose all forward and reverse drive. I have tried retooling the Allen screw hole with bigger screws, but with no luck. The original brass "key" is pretty chewed up, but a brand new one doesn't quite fit.
Any thoughts out there?!?

Thanks!
Cam

 

[Faster]

Sounds like you need at least one new coupling half, possibly a new shaft (axle isn't the right term here!)

 

[Acameronp]

Thanks Faster. Your right, axle is in bad form. (I knew something looked off when I wrote it and didn't really proof)
So the coupling is causing the key to throw? Hows that?

 

[Faster]

Thanks Faster. Your right, axle is in bad form. (I knew something looked off when I wrote it and didn't really proof)
So the coupling is causing the key to throw? Hows that?

Hard to say without pictures, but if the keypiece is 'coming out' then either it was the wrong size, or the coupling-half and/or the shaft are worn from working against each other when improperly tightened.. either way one or both may be damaged to the point that you can't properly reassemble it all.

Join Photobucket, upload your pics there and paste the IMG CODE link into your post so we can see what the issues might be.

 

[deniseO30]

Re: Columbia 29 Transmission

Need a new flange that clamps on the shaft. the old one is too loose now. and a new key. possibly even the shaft is too badly damaged. Do you have photos?

 

[Acameronp]

Re: Columbia 29 Transmission

Thanks Denise030
I do not have photos (yet) but will post them shortly. And I think you are correct. I can hand pull the shaft pretty easily right out of the flange. I did get a new key but is seems over-sized my a few mm. Any ideas on the best place to get a new flange?

 

[aa3jy]

Re: Columbia 29 Transmission

Hi All,
My wife and I recently bought a 1979 29 foot Super Cruiser. Nice and beamy. However, serious issues with the flange/shaft connection. There is a small brass key that is supposed to hold the shaft in place (along with 2 Allen screws), but anytime you put the boat in gear it throws the pin and you lose all forward and reverse drive. I have tried retooling the Allen screw hole with bigger screws, but with no luck. The original brass "key" is pretty chewed up, but a brand new one doesn't quite fit.
Any thoughts out there?!?

Thanks!
Cam

Yep..supposed to be safety wired

 

[deniseO30]

You want something like this

Just do a web search thousands of suppliers come up. based on where you are, pick one
Good luck!

 

[JimsCAL]

Have to agree with the suggestions that you may need a new coupling and/or shaft. Depends on how badly each is damaged. The coupling should fit snuggly on the shaft. It should not slide easily on and off like it is now. What is happening now is every time you go in reverse, the propeller thrust is pulling the shaft out of the coupling.

As a short term solution, I would get a new key that fits correctly. Then I would make sure there are some detents in the shaft where the set screws are. If not, use a drill to put them in. Then tighten the set screws snuggly and wire them. Lastly, put a hose clamp on the shaft just forward of the stuffing box. This will prevent the shaft from moving rearward should the coupling loosen when in reverse.

 

[Acameronp]

Yes. Your suggestion is exactly what I had to do to get her home. I believe its time to pull/replace the coupling and dremmel down the key to fit better.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[miatapaul]

One other thing, why was there enough resistance to cause the key to pull out of the keyway on the shaft to begin with. There could be growth on the prop that is preventing it from turning, line wrapped around the shaft, or could be a bad cutlass bearing. If you disconnect the coupling, can you turn the shaft at all? That may be the cause and if not addressed will happen again once the flange is replaced. Remember to fix the cause not just the symptom.