Super Jet So, I need someone to tell me to just go ahead and do it...

[aramis]

Ok, so my cylinder, intake and carbs are all off the engine getting work done by Art. I also have the electrical box out and apart as I'm getting ready to put the epic back in. The exhaust is out too, along with the pump/impeller/drive shaft. The pistons will have to come off too since I am going up 2mm.

I'm debating on whether I should just bite the bullet and yank the engine and replace the crank seals. They are the originals from '98.

I've held off since a) I've never split cases before (although I know I can do it) and b) I know I'll spend money on the Cold Fusion couplers if I have to go that far.

I think I'm worried about getting the coupler off the midshaft, and if I'll have to replace anything in that assembly while I'm at it. Driveshaft splines look good though. Bearings, who knows. I've got the Cold Fusion tool for the flywheel, do they make one for the midshaft?

Should I go ahead and do it, or is there a good reason to not mess with it if it's not broken?

If I pull the midshaft, are there any tricks I should know up front to get it all to line back up easily later? (Does putting the pump/shims back in first help?)

Any suggestions for best prices on OEM seals?

Thanks!

 

[WFO Speedracer]

Yes defiantly do it now not later

 

[Shadow7874]

Do it not and inspect your crank while you're at it. Way better to open things up and find a ton of play in a bearing and fix it then then replace a seized crank down the road. Getting the coupler off the midshaft wont be fun (I still havent gotten mine off) but if you have a good torch to heat it with it might be ok.

 

[eeerieski]

I got mine off with a board, a chunk of angle iron clearanced for the flywheel bolt and 2 flywheel puller bolts run through 2 holes drilled in the angle iron. No heat required, just some elbow grease.

 

[aramis]

Thanks guys...I'm gonna do it.

Is it possible for the midshaft to leak water into the hull? If so, what parts am I looking at there? bearings and seals or a whole new housing? Now that I think of it, it seems like I'm getting more water into the engine bay than I should...

 

[Big Kahuna]

unless someone knows another way, how are you going to get coupler off without the cylinder? Typically you have to use the rope trick to hold the pistons/crank in place. I have tried the coupler tool with an impact wrench (Air) and got nowhere with it.

 

[aramis]

I've got the cold fusion flywheel lock tool...and I just ordered jetmaniac's spline holder tool to help with the midshaft coupler removal. So, I think I'm all set with that part of it. I also splurged on the cold fusion couplers, so if worse comes to worse I can hack up the couplers to get them off.

If I order the seals and bearings for the midshaft, does that cover pretty much everything that can fail there? Never got to look at a midshaft assembly up close so I don't know what to expect.

 

[Sospikey]

unless someone knows another way, how are you going to get coupler off without the cylinder? Typically you have to use the rope trick to hold the pistons/crank in place. I have tried the coupler tool with an impact wrench (Air) and got nowhere with it.

Carefully gripping the bare crank in a wise actually works great. Keyword is "carefully"!!! Heat the coupler before you start to twist it off!

 

[Sospikey]

I've got the cold fusion flywheel lock tool...and I just ordered jetmaniac's spline holder tool to help with the midshaft coupler removal. So, I think I'm all set with that part of it. I also splurged on the cold fusion couplers, so if worse comes to worse I can hack up the couplers to get them off.

If I order the seals and bearings for the midshaft, does that cover pretty much everything that can fail there? Never got to look at a midshaft assembly up close so I don't know what to expect.

Jetmaniac can set you up with all that stuff! I would at least inspect the housing, they do wear (especially in salt) and sometimes the rubber parts starts to peel of the housing.

 

[Tyler Zane]

leave the engine together and use the cold fusion flywheel lock. the coupler will come right off. all i use is the back side of a hammer between the fingers of the coupler. some heat and a few taps with a mallet. i place the engine in a vise, it doesnt take much to hold it. if you need more leverage put something longer in between the fingers of the coupler. i liked the hammer for the wooden handle...

 

[aramis]

ordered the crank seals and midshaft bearing / seals today...hopefully all these parts come in and I get it built back up before summer is over here.

I'm assuming I can press out the midshaft from it's bearing, and re-use it with the new bearing....?

 

[badvinny]

You should be able to use the old housing, inspect it for cracking or failure.