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Princess 414 leaking in the rudder

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by Steffo30, Feb 27, 2022.

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  1. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    I have a Prices 414 that is leaking at the helm. Have looked at it and but do not understand how to remove the shaft, so I can seal the shaft. I post pictures on the rudder shaft. Would be very grateful if anyone knows how to get rid of the shoulder

    Attached Files:

  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Why are you pulling the rudder to seal the shaft?
    Why not just adjust the packing? Looks like you have some room for adjustments.

    If you must pull the shaft; That is a shaft key and usually just snug pressed into the shaft.
    I use locking pliers (Vice-Grips) with a tight lock on the key and wiggle the key out. For stubborn keys, a tap or two on the pliers head, tapping away from the shaft pops it out.

    I do hope your boat is on the land and not still in the water.

    That key looks like it near end of life so get a new key. If that must be re-used, lightly file the key smooth to just remove any high spots that the pliers may have left on its surfaces.
    Teflon grease on the shaft and re-install key.
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2022
  3. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    So this is how Princess supports their rudders, on top of the stuffing box plunger. Looks like it works.
    That key would be the safety factor I assume.

    Please note the almost all around even wear on the tiller clamp bottom and the top of the plunger.
    When your final adjustments are made, please ensure this even contact is replicated.
    A little WP grease could help here also.
    The components will last much longer.
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2022
  4. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    Hi, you mean to adjust the gasket, just tighten the 2 nuts and it will seal. The boat is on land :)
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The threaded rod is fixed. it should not twist. loosen the top lock nuts.
    Tighten the remaining two nuts down the same amount of turn. I would just give 1/2 turn today.
    clean up all and re assemble.
    When the boat is back in the water is when to adjust them, just tight enough to stop the leaks but not to ad drag on the rudder moving.
  6. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    Hi I what do you mean the key is what is on the rudder shaft . I call it wedge
  7. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    I thank you so much for the information. I get to try screwing on the nuts and see if it seals when putting the boat in the lake
  8. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    This line is where the top plunger lowers into the packing box. You should see it change a bit while tightening down on the nuts.
    Maybe clean this line with a brush and penetrating / cleaning oil-spray. This may help keep some more trash from getting dragged into the tube.

    gland.jpg

    Not the nuts on the bottom of the threaded rod, but there may be nuts just under the ears of the top part. Loosen them, if present, a 1/2 turn also.

    Please note this picture is less than 650 pixels.
    Please submit your pictures less than 700 pixels.
    My MS Paint offers the easiest way to resize pictures.
    YF is world wide and lots of folks do not have the band width to download large pictures. :D
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2022
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Wedge, Key, I'm sure other names.
    As long as were looking at the same thing; Thingie protruding from the side of the shaft / post that slides into a groove on the tiller.
  10. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Now, I need to bring something else up;

    How old could the gland material be inside the the gland assembly?
    How long since it's last adjustment?
    How bad was the leak?

    Sometimes. sometimes, sometimes old flax just does not compress as it should and needs replacing.
    This project is best done out of the water, like you are now.
  11. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    It had been on land for about 2 years. I have owned it for about 1 year. I tried to remove the key but it fits well. It is a brass key and it is very soft. Because if I have to change gland material, it has to be removed
  12. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Two years dry, no history before, I would replace all packing.

    Did you try locking pliers (Vice Grips)?
    It would be bronze quality. Same material as tiller and post.
    A small and long punch and hammer my help if the punch can get a dent in the side of the key, tapping away (out) of the post.
  13. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    Is it such material that seals with .I post a picture

    Attached Files:

  14. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Something like that, yes.
    Shaft flax comes in different sizes and different materials.
    Would you have the ships manuals you can get the correct size from?
    Are you in a marina yard? Is there a marine tech available you help you?
  15. classic

    classic Member

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    Drop the Rudder in the yard and repack and then put all back .

    standard maintenace
  16. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    Hi I tried to get the key loose but it was so tight. So I have tried to tighten the nuts it was possible to tighten them. So I'll see if it pours tight.
    Does anyone have any idea what the size of the key is, if I need to buy a new one
  17. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Are you in a marina yard? Is there a marine tech available you help you?
  18. Steffo30

    Steffo30 New Member

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    I thank you for the information .That it was just tightening the nuts on the rudder .It looks like it is holding tight now on the rudder shaft

    Steffo30