Drive Shaft Hub Removal

[IndyDyne]

I am trying to replace the stuffing box on my Barefoot Skier.  I have removed the two pinch bolts from the drive shaft hub, but the hub just won't let go.  What is the best way to remove this hub?  It is as simple as bolting the hub back onto the transmission and using a slide hammer on the prop end?  I just don't want to cause any undo stress on the tranny if i can help it.  Thanks. 

[RonT]

Older boats have "straight-cut" shaft ends opposed to the newer boats with double taper, meaning your boat has a taper on the prop end, while the trans end is not tapered but round to the end. They can be a pain but here is how I do it:
1) Remove the set screw bolts, saturate with a penetrating oil.
2) Remove the 4 coupling to trans bolts & set aside
3) Slide the shaft/coupling back about an inch
4) Place an 11/16" socket (just needs to be under 1" od, usually 11/16 id works) between the trans & shaft
5) Obtain 4 trans coupling bolts that are at least an inch longer than stock & tie the coupling & trans together with the socket/spacer in place.
6) By evenly tightening the coupling bolts you will squeeze or push the shaft backwards out of the coupling.
7) After 1" of movement & it is still dragging hard, repeat with a deepwell socket until out.
If tightening the 4 coupling bolts EVENLY does not appear to budge the shaft go to step 9
9) Above proceedures fail- Cut the shaft, replace with new double taper shaft & coupling, have trans coupling refaced because it is now probably distorted.

[IndyDyne]

Thanks for the instructions Ron.  I kept playing around that night and also came up with another solution.  I should have waited because your method seems much easier than mine.  I took a steering wheel puller to start the process since there is so little space between the two couplings.  After I detonated two steering wheel pullers, I moved onto a Chrysler harmonic balancer puller (or any short 3 jaw puller) since I now had some real estate between the couplings.  I held the shaft in place by using a piece of flat stock that i bolted to the shaft coupling.  Not fun, but it is now off.  Next time, I will wait for the professional advice.  Thanks so much Ron, you are a great asset to this forum.     

[Messer]

Ron / guys,
  I know this thread has been quite for a while so I'll post the link in MESSER LOG as well where I'm at.
Question-
1. with a straight sut shaft, which I think I have, once the couping is off can the shaft be completely removed via the stern? Someone told me I would have to pull the engine..
2. Will the set screws actuall come out with penetrating oil or do I need to go find a torch?

[IndyDyne]

Messer,

1. You do have a straight cut shaft just like I did.  I believe the shaft should be easily removable from the boat.  However, I did not remove mine so I am not much help here. 

2. My set screws came out with PB blaster.  They were toast after removal as the heads had begun to spin.  I replaced them with stainless and all was well.

Good luck!

[Messer]

She looks straight... Soaking in penetrating oil now...if nogo in the am, torch.

[RonT]

Never use a torch to cut the shaft loose, use a sawzall.