I have replaced the cutless bearing in my 1979 Morgan 382 recently. I had to remove the rudder as there is only about 4 inches clearance between the end of the propeller shaft and the rudder. After I took off the engine coupler and vibration coupler I still did not have enough space to remove the propeller. I'll try to upload some pictures.Has anyone replaced the cutless bearing on an original Morgan 38? I'm assuming I'll have to drop the rudder to get it out, any advice on that process and rebuilding the rubber bearings also welcome.
Here are a couple of pictures. Removed the rudder and replaces the cutless bearing. Removed the two set screws with impact driver after soaking in penetrating fluid. then used vise grips and a hammer to remove old bearing. Let me know if you need more info on the cutless or R&R the rudder. BTW, should place the stuffing for the rudder at the same time...Has anyone replaced the cutless bearing on an original Morgan 38? I'm assuming I'll have to drop the rudder to get it out, any advice on that process and rebuilding the rubber bearings also welcome.
Pictures on removing rudder.Has anyone replaced the cutless bearing on an original Morgan 38? I'm assuming I'll have to drop the rudder to get it out, any advice on that process and rebuilding the rubber bearings also welcome.
Has anyone replaced the cutless bearing on an original Morgan 38? I'm assuming I'll have to drop the rudder to get it out, any advice on that process and rebuilding the rubber bearings also welcome.
after cutless and rudder installation...Pictures on removing rudder.
In my 1979 Morgan 382 the old cutless bearing was tapped for the two set screws. Probably not originally that way.it was pressed in, very tight fit, and two set screws pressing on dimples in the brass shell. Nigel Calder's book "Boatowners
Mech and Elect Manual" covers this well and most everything else on a sailboat, a great resource.
Yeah, Not fun having to remove the rudder to replace the propeller or the cutless bearing. After you have done it once it is not so terrifying. I also replaced the shaft, dripless, vibration coupler, and shaft coupler. Oh yes and the rear engine mounts... Old couplers and shaft were shot from electrolysis. (keep those zincs fresh). Had to cut it off. See pics below.We had a sloppy cutlass bearing when we bought our '82 383. We had it replaced by moving the engine forward. Turns out besides the cutlass bearing we also replaced the engine mounts, head gasket, checked the transmission and replaced the prop shaft. The new prop shaft is slightly shorter so the rudder would not need to be removed if the cutlass bearing had to be replaced again. Cost me a bit but considering we motored a full three days delivering her to the new home port, I think it was worth every boat buck...and penny.