Reply To: [moved] stern tube

Barry,

I've done this twice on my Mk IVa (as well as both the deep Sea Seals, and one engine refit and realigning both shafts). As well as what Chrissie says, I would recommend something to drive out the bearing from the engine room side in case the bearing is tight – both mine were. If the bearing is totally within the tube, there is little to grab on from outside and pull the bearing out, so you need something to budge it. I had a piece of thick walled pipe of the right diameter – but be careful that it doesn't wedge inside the bearing. On one bearing, I had to use a hacksaw to cut through the bearing wall – then it came out with mole grips (obviously from the outside). It would be a major challenge to do this in one tide IMHO. So, definitely have a plug ready. The thing that took me the longest was disconnecting the shaft from the gearbox – depends on what coupling you have – so check this out before starting work.