Dial Indicators - what to get & where?

[Barking Mat]

We got some training on the SKF kit very impressive

Mounts on shafts then the two lasers do most of the work for you , you just need to rotate as it tells you
View attachment 345341

Taking readings where it needs

View attachment 345342


Then spits out the shims needed and where

View attachment 345343

Yeah, nice.

But it's a canal boat, doesn't need that level of accuracy.

 

[TEO]

Sounds like you are looking to correct angular misalignment between the engine and shaft. When you said runout i assumed you ment a bent shaft. A magnetic base likely wont be your best option, best to make something that bolts to your drive flange.

This lug back Mitutoyo is £43.72 with shipping https://mqs.co.uk/mitutoyo-2046f-me...-100-remarks-l-h-r-c-lug-back-shockproof.html

Thank you, a good link.
I think you've described my predicament exactly and on reflection I may be going about this all wrong. There is no flexi coupling.
I'll see if I can find a picture.
In essence there are ridged couplings and flanges joining shaft to gearbox (PCM I think but memory is v fallible) which is in turn bolted direct to the engine.

 

[Lewis_RX8]

Yeah, nice.

But it's a canal boat, doesn't need that level of accuracy.

Very true .... but lasers are cool?

 

[Barking Mat]

Nothing wrong with a fixed coupling, I prefer them.

 

[TEO]

The engine doesn't have to be under load, at all.

I do it engine off, in neutral.

Whether it under load doesn't change anything. Will accentuate, propellor trauma giving false readings.

You're looking for the concenrticity (maybe not the right word) of the prop, to the alignment of the output flange on the gearbox.

When the prop is correctly aligned flush to the gearbox, you've won.

Vibration after this is caused by bent prop shafts, or bent propellers, or both.

Expect some play in cutlass bearings.

I think it has to be coplanar(? Sp?) but the only way of gauging how close I am to lined up (I think) is by comparing vibes with engine under load now against what I'm used to. I tried it in neutral & though I can get the engine to stop banging around on the loose mounting I can't get the whole thing lined up.
Is the stuffing box the same as a cutlass bearing?

 

[Barking Mat]

Stuffing box = stern gland.

Cutlass bearing, bit in water behind propellor.

When was the boat last out the water ?

 

[TEO]

Got a feeling I'm lost in translation here ? Is the shaft connected to the engine/transmission and driven without a universal joint coupling ?

That's right, no UJ

 

[Barking Mat]

 

[TEO]

Stuffing box = stern gland.

Cutlass bearing, bit in water behind propellor.

When was the boat last out the water ?

Ages, costs a fortune to get 62' out the water, I had hoped to get it out&blacked this year but that depends on work
I'll look for pics & drawings

 

[Barking Mat]

Not the best photo.

 

[TEO]

View attachment 345345

That'll save me googling for pics.
Don't think I have the bearing between gearbox&stuffing box. Don't remember seeing it & I've developed quite an intimate relationship with it over the past few days.

 

[TEO]

Not the best photo.

Works for me though, thanks

 

[TEO]

Gotta go now, really appreciate all the suggestions, thanks all.

 

[Barking Mat]

Get some photos.

I'm workshop manager for a fleet of 13 / 14 hire boats on canals, 9 to 13 meters, all the same.

I can probably help you.

 

[Barking Mat]

We'll discuss this another day.

Goodnight.

 

[TEO]

Sounds like you are looking to correct angular misalignment between the engine and shaft. When you said runout i assumed you ment a bent shaft. A magnetic base likely wont be your best option, best to make something that bolts to your drive flange.

This lug back Mitutoyo is £43.72 with shipping https://mqs.co.uk/mitutoyo-2046f-me...-100-remarks-l-h-r-c-lug-back-shockproof.html

I'm trying to picture how the bolt on works, I'll post pics when I can find them & maybe you could have a look& talk me through it?

 

[TEO]

We'll discuss this another day.

Goodnight.

Cheers & and thanks again, much appreciated.

 

[Barking Mat]

I think it has to be coplanar(? Sp?) but the only way of gauging how close I am to lined up (I think) is by comparing vibes with engine under load now against what I'm used to. I tried it in neutral & though I can get the engine to stop banging around on the loose mounting I can't get the whole thing lined up.
Is the stuffing box the same as a cutlass bearing?

Your engine mounts may be dead, causing vibration...

So many variables.

 

[grim_d]

But you have to provide a link, or they don't exist.

https://mqs.co.uk/

 

[TEO]

New item by Toby

photos.app.goo.gl

Link to the prop shaft, coupling to gearbox & stuffing box.
This is the second engine in an ex Black Prince boat & you'll see where what I assume to have been earlier, now redundant mounts might have removed.