Propshaft tube cleaning

[Paul75Participant @paul75]

[Paul75Participant @paul75]

Hello Everyone.

Further to my earlier post, I've found that there is more resistance in the spinning of the outer starboard propshaft within its outer tube compared to the other three propshafts on my 20 year old model of HMS Duke of York. This has the obvious effect of causing this propeller to spin more slowly under power.

I've added images of the inboard and outboard ends of the propshaft at the end of this thread.

The stainless steel propshaft itself seems to be straight and true when I've rolled it on a glass chopping board.

I understand in situ renewing of the internal components of the outer propshaft tube is not an option and replacing the whole thing with a new unit is the stuff of nightmares.

I was thinking that perhaps the inside of the tube is dirty thus increasing friction. I plan to flush the propshaft tube out with automotive metal cleaner and degreaser and seeing if this improves the situation.

Before I start, can anyone suggest any pitfalls to doing this or provide any hints and tips?

Many thanks,

Paul.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Pipe cleaners/white spirit?? Ashley

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Ensuring that the degreaser is fully removed might be a problem. It's the last stuff you want where new grease is going. I would make a pull through from piano wire and cotton wool to clear any old gunge, then repeat a few times with light oil until the cotton wool came out clean enough.

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

If the prop-shaft is straight, there may be an issue with the bearings – slight non-alignment or burring leading to binding?

It should be easy to put a little lapping compound on them and free things up a bit – but or course it will need comprehensive cleaning off afterwards….

[Paul75Participant @paul75]

Thanks for your replies.

I'll clean out the propshaft tube and see if this improves the rotation. I understand the automotive cleaner I'm using dries leaving no residue and I had also bought some pipes cleaners to help. If this doesn't satisfactorily improve the spinning I'll look into using some lapping compound, as DG suggests.

All the best,

Paul.

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