[Public-List] Cutlass bearing clearance, minor Gray Marine vibration normal?

[George Dinwiddie]

Michael,

I was hoping someone more knowledgeable would jump in.

crufone at comcast.net wrote:
> 
> What is the acceptable clearance between the shaft and the cutlass
> bearing at the prop end?  I can see that there is rubber all the way
> around the bearing surface.  I have almost no clearance port to
> starboard and about 1/32" to 3/64" top to bottom.  I checked by
> holding the prop and trying to wiggle the shaft in the bearing.

That doesn't sound too bad to me, but it does indicate wear.  How often 
do you haul?  Is there any advantage to waiting?  Otherwise, you might 
want to do it now for peace of mind.

BTW, you don't generally have to pull the shaft to put in a new cutless 
bearing, but you do need to pull the prop.  And don't forget to drill 
the holes on the sides of the bearing to let the water in.

> I do remember some slight vibration at certain engine rpm's, but it
> was minor. I assume that the Gray Marine is not a well balanced
> engine and would vibrate some during normal operation?

I would guess that growth on the prop is more likely to cause vibration 
than the balance of the engine.  Alignment is a more important 
consideration.

  - George

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