Patrick, try turning the nut the other direction. Keep going back and forth
wit it. Also try Kroil penetrant. It is what we use on stuck bolts on the
airplanes. Also look into the set screw holes and make sure there is not a pin,
don't think there is, but... Don't worry about applying to much torque. Those
threads will withstand alot. Good luck.
Doug MountjoysvPegasusLF38 just west of Ballard, WA.
------ Original message------From: Patrick Davin via CnC-List Date: Tue, Apr
19, 2016 20:46To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com;Cc: Patrick Davin;Subject:Stus-List
Rudder collar "donut" removal
I have my boat hauled out now and am trying to drop the rudder.
The stainless steel donut that holds the rudder up, above the thrust bearing in
the cockpit, is very much stuck. I removed the two set screws and am attempting
to unscrew (counterclockwise), with the rudder propped up (enough that that
delrin bearing under the donut is free spinning).
This is the donut pictured on Wally's page:
http://www.wbryant.com/StellaBoat/Projects/steering/bearing/sole/bs02.jpg
http://www.wbryant.com/StellaBoat/Projects/steering/bearing/sole/
He got it off with just an oil filter wrench + exhaust hose on past occasions,
and later with that strap wrench. I've already applied far more force than a
strap wrench with no luck. :(
I had planned to have the yard (Seaview) help with this, but apparently they
have plenty of fiberglass guys but not enough mechanical guys, and are
backlogged on anything mechanical. So if I want this to go faster I can keep
trying to do it myself. And saving money by not having them bang away at it for
$105/hour is probably good anyway. Though honestly I would happily do that now
if they could get it loose.
I know Frank of S/V Cool Change had a bear of a time with the set screws:
http://cnc-list.com/pipermail/cnc-list_cnc-list.com/2007-March/009523.html
(but I guess the donut wasn't a problem?)
And I know another owner who used a huge pipe wrench with some padding, and
yard assistance, but ended up damaging it and needing to get a new one.
Things I've tried: - PB Blaster, every day for 4-5 days, around the top, into
the set screw holes, and around the bottom.- Loctite Freeze + Release- oil
filter wrench with rubber pieces to grip- threading a bolt into the set screw
holes and hammering on that - quickly abandoned this because it started to bend
the screws and I realized it would strip the set screw holes. - C clamps- Heat
gun (I don't have a torch - however I don't think heat will be very successful
because the mated parts are both stainless steel)- Large hose clamp tightened
around my rubber gripper ring and hammering on the hose clamp screw. I really
thought this was the genius idea that would finally work. Nothing budged, even
with heavy pounding. But the hose clamp does the best job of pressing my rubber
gripper onto the donut and had no slippage.
Is there anything I'm missing? Has anyone else had this hard a time getting the
donut off, or found anything else that worked?
The Edson radial drive bolts are also seized, but I have some more things to
try there still, and as last resort it can be cut off and order a new one
($500).
If I can get the rudder out I might also consider changing the stuffing box,
because that is also seized (looks original and probably hasn't been adjusted
in 5 years).
-Patrick1984 C&C Landfall 38Violet Hour, Seattle, WA
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like
what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are
greatly appreciated!
