Topic: Shock absorber length – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 8 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 2 months ago by 1946zephyr.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

Author

Posts
February 9, 2016 at 1:36 am #3602
wedgie
Participant
The shock from a ’57 Fleetwin I am looking at now is a hair under 6 13/16 ths . Is that acceptable? From what I have read here it should be around 6 11/16ths, but doesn’t show any signs of blueing in the washer area. I suppose if it wasn’t run much after the spring breaking, it wouldn’t have sustained any heat damage. 🙄

.
February 9, 2016 at 2:14 am #31669
Mumbles
Participant
6 11/16 is a good number. I had one yesterday which was starting to rub at 6 3/4 and after I pressed it down it measured 6 5/8.

It seems these things wind up when the prop hits something hard and they release. Pressing them back to size seems to work and I think I’ve only seen one where the spring was actually broken. That’s where the brazing comes in handy.
February 9, 2016 at 2:33 am #31670
wedgie
Participant
The one I have is 6 13/16ths . I should I put a bar clamp on it and give it a squeeze then?
February 9, 2016 at 2:38 am #31671
Mumbles
Participant
Yup. Give it a try!

I’m not positive but I think I’ve beaten one back to size in the past!
February 9, 2016 at 8:42 am #31681
frankr
Participant
US Member
Yeah, if the spring isn’t broken put it in a padded vise (or substitute) and whack it with a hammer. BTW, if you clean out the hole real good, you can get it out in the bright sunlight and peer in there and see if the spring is broken (usually).
February 9, 2016 at 9:27 pm #31700
1946zephyr
Participant
While you have it apart, I would have it tack welded in 4 areas around where the pieces go together, that way you won’t have any further issues. 😎
February 10, 2016 at 12:11 am #31711
Mumbles
Participant
quote 1946Zephyr:

While you have it apart, I would have it tack welded in 4 areas around where the pieces go together, that way you won’t have any further issues. 😎

The only problem then is he’ll be breaking prop blades or gears when he uses the motor for digging clams in the shallows!
February 10, 2016 at 3:00 am #31723
wedgie
Participant
quote Mumbles:

quote 1946Zephyr:

While you have it apart, I would have it tack welded in 4 areas around where the pieces go together, that way you won’t have any further issues. 😎

The only problem then is he’ll be breaking prop blades or gears when he uses the motor for digging clams in the shallows!

What if I use a real soft drive pin like a bamboo kebab skewer cut to length 😆 😉
We’re not allowed to dig for clams locally. Red tide (yeah right) for as long as I can remember ,but that doesn’t stop some of the "non fluent in English" types from of filling their boots. 👿 They seldom get nabbed due to cutbacks in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. But I digress…

I did manage to squeeze it back to 6 11/16ths at work where they have a big enough vise. Thought it might be better than pounding on it. I didn’t take the time to clean it out really well as Frank suggested, so I couldn’t see well enough if the spring is broken or not. Will do that tomorrow at lunch.
February 10, 2016 at 11:08 am #31726
1946zephyr
Participant
Actually, this tack weld practice is quite common on these and has been suggested. The shock absorber often times comes unglued and grenades the upper bearing out. Ouch! Ugly deal, because those upper bearing assemblies are grossly expensive. :-O
Then again, I know you two guys are just being funny. :-D. Good one 😉
Author

Posts

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Shock absorber length

GET IN TOUCH