R-25 SHAFT TO PROP CONNECTION

[Lobo]

While doing a 1,000 hour check on my R-25 the mechanic found the 4 bolts with nylock nuts holding the prop shaft to the engine shaft very loose.

Recommend you check yours periodically.

Dave

 

[rt11002003]

It doesn't hurt to check every nut and bolt.

Gene

 

[thataway]

Nylox nuts should never be used a second time--so it is not just tightening them up--it is new nuts!
Many times shaft coupler nuts are wired in place--that is a hole is drilled thru the nut and wire to secure the nut.

 

[Lobo]

I agree wholeheartedly about repeat use of the nuts. The new bolt and nuts are on board and will be installed this week.

Dave

 

[doke01]

Thanks! I'll check ours and let you know if we find the same thing.

 

[Ram]

When I bought my 2007 it was a year old. The first time I tried to take it out I found all 4 shaft bolts and nuts in the bilge. Doesn't go very fast when the prop doesn't turn. I tried putting them back in and observed that the lock nuts barely engaged because only a couple of threads cleared the hole. I got new bolts the next size up, which were too long, and cut them down a bit. That was 2.5 years ago with lots of use in between and no problems.

 

[kaiserwe]

I'm embarrassed to own up to it but had the exact same problem w/ the prop shaft bolts in our 2007 R-25. Unfortunately, it occurred at the Ballard locks. I wasn't regularly checking the bolts -- the frequent shifting between reverse and forward while waiting at the lock was the final straw. Prop shaft separated at coupling and lost forward propulsion as we entered. Coasted alongside to a Grand Banks with a great skipper who gave us a side tow out of the lock. Found all the nuts and bolts in the bilge and was able to do a short term repair. Pulled into Shilshoe marina and replaced all hardware. As Ram noted, the original bolts were too short and only partially protruded into the nylox. Made a great entry in the ship's log.

 

[Lobo]

I replaced the bolts with longer ones and the nylox with nuts and lock washers. I hope I'll be happier and I know I'll be more observant.

Dave
"Lobo"