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DRIVE
TRAIN - Stern Bearing Installation
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1.
With a ruler or calipers, measure the hull width
across the centerline at the stern. |
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2.
Divide the measurement by two and mark the hull. Repeat
the measuring and marking for the vertical axis of the
stern.
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3.
Using a 3/32" drill bit, drill a hole
at the center of the stern where the two marks intersect.
Using the hole as a pilot, replace the bit with the next
higher size and re-drill the hole. Work your way up to
a 1/4" bit, then drill out the hole. The opening
should now allow the drive shaft bearing to pass through. |
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4.
Place the WTC in the saddles and install the universal
coupling joint (UC-2 type) on the drive shaft. Place
the drive shaft bearing in the rear of the hull and
slide the stainless steel propeller shaft through it.
Install the other universal coupling joint (UC-2 type)
to the forward end of the prop shaft. Insert the dog
bone coupler between the two universal couplers and
push the prop shaft as far forward as possible to ensure
a good positive connection. Hold the shaft in line with
the WTC drive shaft. At the stern, mark the prop shaft
leaving enough to properly mount the propeller (approximately
5/16").
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5.
With a cutoff wheel, cut the shaft and file off
the rough edges.
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6.
Cut
a piece of 3/16" i.d. tubing approximately
1 3/4" long and deburr the ends with a file.
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7.
Remove the universal coupling and place the tubing on
the WTC drive shaft. Slide the prop shaft into the tubing.
NOTE: using the tubing in place of the universal joint
helps to ensure that the shaft alignment is as close
to the WTC drive shaft in attitude as possible.
Place
the stern bearing on the shaft and slide it into the
hull. Place the propeller in position on the shaft and
check that it is properly centered in the stern. If
the prop is off center, remove the shaft and true up
the hole with a round file.
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8.
With the tubing and shaft in place on the WTC drive shaft,
mix a small batch of 5 minute epoxy and apply it to the
stern bearing. Slip the bearing onto the shaft and into
the stern. |
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9.
Apply a film of Vaseline to the propeller and place
it on the shaft. Tape the prop in correct position,
centered in the stern of the hull. Allow to cure.
Then,
mix a batch of 50/50 epoxy and micro-balloons. With
a brush, apply epoxy around the base of the stern bearing
inside the hull. Build up a fillet around the bearing,
carefully avoiding getting epoxy in contact with the
prop shaft. Leave the prop in the correct position,
centered in the stern of the hull. Allow to cure overnight.
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Next
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Saddle
Up, Cowboy
The
ThorDesign WTC saddles contain lengths of brass rod
at the top on both sides. These provide a handy way
to secure rubber bands across the width of the WTC to
keep it securely mounted during R/C operations.
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