Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

[Rando_CP]

Just got a 69 Eska 5hp -free. It does run, but when removing the gear case to look at the impeller, the drive shaft wouldn't let go. The impeller housing and the pinion gear clip did, however. The gear housing is free from the lower unit, but the rest of the impeller housing (and impeller) are still in the exhaust housing.

Is it possible to un-freeze the shaft using penetrating oil and vise-grips/hammer? Can't really see if I am hitting the joint, but hopefully getting some onto it.

Thanks!

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

don't hit on it with a steel hammer, drain the fuel turn it up side down spry pb blaster through the pee holes so you hit the shaft, might take 3 days or more worth of treatments, then turn it right side up and use a rubber mallet, thats your best chance....use plenty of blaster or kroll

 

[Tommy Two Stroke]

Re: Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

When you get done and reassemble the engine, you'll have less trouble getting the shaft to un-mate next time you have to take it apart if you change the o-ring that's at the outer end of the splined shaft hole, and put some high temp grease in the hole prior to sliding the driveshaft's male splines into the hole. I say high temp grease because the exhaust exits the engine in this vicinity and the shaft/clutch get hot, so you want to use a grease that will stay in place. I usually use Mobil 1 synth grease for this...the red stuff that comes in a Mobil 1 tube. Sears still sells these o-rings, I ordered a few for my 7.5hp not long ago. I suspect they are standard sized o-rings, so you might also be able to get one from a supply house.

 

[Rando_CP]

Re: Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

Thanks for the tips, but so far no luck. Been spraying it liberally with PB, from the top, through the pee holes, every which-a-way. I can tell the cylinder is full now!

Is there any upward play in the shaft? That is, when the gear housing is installed, does the shaft bottom out, or is there a little play? The goal would be to tap it in and then out to try to loosen it.

There's nothing holding the upper shaft in, right?? Could there be some teist in the splines?

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

nothing holding it in but rust, be patient and keep at it, give her a tap or 2every day, could take a while. was it a saltwater outboard? I have heard that Kroil was better at desolving rust than PB

http://www.kanolabs.com/google/

 

[Rando_CP]

Re: Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

Not really sure of the history. All the screw heads are rusted, but none have snapped off or needed extra cleaning to get a screw driver into the slot. Probably fresh water and left out in the weather.

..should have been 'twist' in the splines..

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: Eska 5hp Shaft frozen to clutch

Not really sure of the history. All the screw heads are rusted, but none have snapped off or needed extra cleaning to get a screw driver into the slot. Probably fresh water and left out in the weather.

..should have been 'twist' in the splines..

At this point your only ally is patience. Kroil is the best commercial penetrant available. Lab tests prove that half & half power steering fluid mixed with acetone is the best.