prop shaft lubrication

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

At the beginning of December when the weather was unusually still and sunny I thought I'd take my pilot boat down to the lake for a run. I found the prop shaft had become very stiff although it had spun very freely the last time I'd used it back in the summer. It had had some lithium car grease on it.

I took the shaft out, cleaned it, put a bit of vaseline on shaft as an experiment (having been suggested that by someone I met on a boat stand at an exhibition). I put a drop of oil on bearings at each end of prop shaft (and also on motor bearings). Shaft then ran freely and still does 2 months later. Also didn't get any water in hull.

Query therefore, what is the best way to lubricate prop shaft? I did fit an oiling tube to it so I could just run a bit of oil into tube, have tried a bit of bike grease before as well. Not sure why car grease hardened up though. Have put a spot of oil on bearings as well.

Also does u/j need oiling?

Have looked up threads/articles etc on this but not sure what's best. Thanks.

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Michael. There is no agreement here on how best to lubricate a shaft.

MY VIEW is….the bottom bearing is for all practical purposes water lubricated, brass or nylon. I drip of light oil on a brass bearing before sailing may be beneficial. The inner bearing could do with a drip of light oil before every sail.

If it is a stainless shaft there is no need to grease of vaselene it at all.

U/j no lube at least I have not seen anyone lubricating one!!

Ashley

Edited By ashley needham on 04/02/2014 12:12:42

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

Hi Ashley,

Thanks for the very useful advice, guess I'm making things too complicated! I'll try just the drip of oil on inner and outer bearings when preparing for a sail.

Noticed on another thread that you recommend nylon bearings. Haven't come across these yet on a prop shaft but sounds good idea – are they fitted to certain makes of shaft or can you buy them to retro fit in an existing shaft? I've seen sintered bronze bearings recommended (which retain oil) and are supposed to last a long time. Again, commercially available?

Thanks again.

[Author]

Posts