Metallic squealing.....

[Hifirush]

I have had a metallic squealing when I'm backing into my slip. It has done it about five times, it's quite audible. It almost sounds as if it is coming from the shafts under the boat. I can't say why I think that, but it coming from what sounds like the back if the boat. Is there a grease zerk on the shaft somewhere? Stuffing box going bad? I really don't know anything about v-drives.... Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

Matt


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[MasterFab]

Do You have shaft brushes on the boat?

Dale

 

[Hifirush]

Dale, when I saw your post, I didn’t know what that was. So I Googled it and now I think I understand what it is and what to look for. I don’t know if the boat has them, but will check that out in 2 weeks when I am back up there. I can see how that is possible. I’m afraid I just don’t know much about the underside of my boat. When it comes out this winter for bottom paint, I’m going to get to know it well. Thanks for the response, its a starting point!

Matt

 

[Hifirush]

Dale, after reading even more about these, I see they are INSIDE the boat not under! Gosh, I’m showing my ignorance!!! I will check it out in a couple weeks, seems like I saw something down there similar........

Matt

 

[MasterFab]

They do tend to make a metallic squealing sound sometimes, especially at low speed. There is nothing at all wrong, if that is the case. You can secure a bit of a damping material to the shaft brush arm, such as some 1/2"thick silicone (Glue it to the shaft brush arm). This will damp the vibration, and eliminate the noise. Or you can just ignore it - it's not harmful, just annoying.

Dale

 

[Hifirush]

Dale,

Thats interesting. It is only at low speeds, usually in reverse. Although this past weekend, it did it when I was out cruising at idle Saturday night. I have a couple tubes of silicone at the lake, so hopefully this is it! It kinda freaked me out and then all my dock mates were speculating as too what it was, adding to the terror! All well meaning, but......

Is this something that needs to be changed out from time time? The Bronze contacts perhaps? They say, according to a site I found on the Net, they are self lubricating... with what?

I’m sorry to have so many questions, I just don’t know anything about these!

Thanks again, Matt

 

[MasterFab]

Matt,

When I said silicone, I meant 1/2" thick silicone rubber, glued or zip tied to the shaft brush arm - not silicone from a tube.

The bronze tips last many years - I doubt you need to change them, but take a look. The bronze alloy used to make the contact tips is porous, and needs no lubrication. In fact, you want to keep the contact area clean, so as to not interfere with the electrical contact between the shaft brush and the shaft.

Dale

 

[Hifirush]

Dale,

Thanks for the clarification, again, I am glad for your advise!

Matt