Owner`s manual

3100 OFFSHORE

1.6 Running Gear

Shaft Logs and Dripless Seal

The shaft logs allow the propeller shaft to extend and rotate through the hull. The shaft log is equipped with

a special “Dripless” propeller shaft seal. To lubricate this seal, sea water from the engine cooling system is

injected into the shaft seal through a hose that is connected to the engine and the shaft seal housing.

The shaft seal must have positive water injection any time the propeller shaft is rotating. The water flow to

the seal should be tested annually by removing the water injection hose from the seal fitting and running the

engine at idle with the transmission in neutral. There should be a positive flow of water from the hose. If

no water is flowing from the hose, contact your dealer before operating your boat. Some water will leak into

the bilge from the hose fitting on the seal assembly during this test. The hose should immediately be reattached

and the hose clamps tightened securely when the test is completed. Please refer to the seal manufacturer

owner's manual for additional information on the shaft seal.

Proper performance of the shaft seal is directly dependent upon correct propeller shaft alignment. Propeller

damage, a bent strut or shaft, or abnormal wear, settling, etc. are common reasons for misalignment. This

can cause such problems as repeated shaft leakage, excess seal wear, shaft log and assembly damage, premature

strut bearing wear, etc. It is, therefore, important that the alignment be periodically checked and adjustments

are made when necessary.

ALWAYS BE SURE TO USE THE SHAFT REMOVAL SLEEVE AND FOLLOW THE SEAL

MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING A PROPELLER

SHAFT. IMPROPERLY REMOVING OR INSTALLING A PROPELLER SHAFT CAN PER-

MANENTLY DAMAGE THE SHAFT SEAL AND CAUSE IT TO LEAK.

Struts

The struts are the castings bolted to the bottom of the hull to support the aft end of the propeller shafts. A

replaceable cutlass bearing, also called a strut bearing, is used to minimize shaft wear. The strut bearing should

be inspected once a year, or whenever the boat is hauled, to ensure that there has been no damage or

deterioration and that the strut bearing is not worn excessively. A small amount of play between the propeller

shaft and bearing, .008" to .010", is normal. This gap allows water to pass between the bearing and the shaft

to lubricate the bearing surface. If the strut bearing shows signs of deterioration or excessive wear, greater

than .015", the bearing should be replaced. It is advisable, during lay-up periods, to insert some castor oil

into the strut bearing to keep it from “freezing” to the shaft. Never use machine oil or grease on the strut

bearing.

THE OPERATION OF THE BOAT IN HEAVILY SILTED OR POLLUTED WATER, WITH

A DAMAGED PROPELLER, A DAMAGED PROPELLER SHAFT OR WITH THE ENGINE

OUT OF ALIGNMENT, CAN SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE STRUT BEAR-

ING. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SITUATIONS, THE BEARING SHOULD BE

CHECKED MORE FREQUENTLY.

ALWAYS CHECK THE ENGINE ALIGNMENT AFTER REPLACING THE STRUT BEARING.

NOTICE