1929 Gopher Model B info please

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  • July 23, 2017 at 2:37 am #7720
    2fast4me
    Participant

      I have a new to me Gopher Model B built by the Engineering students at the University of Minnesota Engineering Department. The engine is stuck and I believe it is stuck in the lower end, (this is the straight shaft model). I’m trying to carefully remove the Drive shaft/Prop shaft but will let the penetrating fluid do its job and try again tomorrow. I wish I had Supermans x-ray vision to see inside, surly it must contain some kind of water pump If anyone has information on this model I’d be grateful. I’ll try for some pictures tomorrow. I’m tired.
      Jim

      2Fast4Me

      July 23, 2017 at 4:36 am #62062
      hotrod
      Participant

        There are a few different styles of lower unit.
        On the most common one: the lower unit aluminum casting is removed by first removing the prop nut and lock washer. Then remove the prop and its key by sliding it straight off the shaft (it is keyed). Then loosen the bolt and nut which squeezes the casting onto the main tube. The casting can then slide or twist off the driveshaft tube theoretically. It might help to unscrew the brass water pump in the casting. This will allow the pump spring to come out and the heavy brass piston, and more lube can then be inserted there. (The pump piston rides on a cam on the hollow driveshaft.) Use some penetrating lube on everything. You could apply heat on the aluminum casting with a propane torch until the lube starts smoking. This will loosen the lower unit some. Lube some more. Tapping on the casting upper edge will be needed, using a piece of wood and a light hammer. If nothing moves you can try sliding a small screwdriver into the open end of the ‘squeeze’ slot gently, to widen it slightly for lube to penetrate, but don’t spread the slot much or it could crack the casting.
        The driveshaft/prop shaft has a thrust surface and bronze thrust washer on it which is sandwiched between the end of the main tube and the aluminum lower unit casting. This means that the casting must come off the main tube in order to get the driveshaft out of the lower unit casting.
        The main tube is inserted into the casting about 2 inches.
        Best wait until I see pictures.

        July 23, 2017 at 1:07 pm #62071
        PM T2
        Participant

          Canada Member

          Depending on which style you have – the drive shaft will come off by loosening the knurled nut at the top (directly under the powerhead). Unscrewing the nut allows you to pull the entire driveshaft assembly away from the powerhead. Then you can determine for certain if the powerhead is stuck, or if its the foot.

          Personally I’d be surprised if its the foot that is stuck, on account there ain’t no gears of any sort in there, just the water pump as Harry says.

          Hope this helps.

          Best,
          PM T2

          He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...

          July 23, 2017 at 4:02 pm #62077
          2fast4me
          Participant

            Thanks HOTROD and T2,
            Well I got the LU and driveshaft out, the driveshaft tube is still stuck to the Powerhead (unlike t2’s pixs).
            The driveshaft is stuck tight in the LU casting and everything is soaking in PB Blaster right now, I’ll let it work its magic if it has any. I’ve got pictures but still trying to post, my frustration level has been exceeded.
            Thanks for the input it was just what I needed.
            Jim

            2Fast4Me

            July 23, 2017 at 6:27 pm #62081
            Tubs
            Participant

              A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

              July 23, 2017 at 6:53 pm #62082
              2fast4me
              Participant

                Pictures

                These are the parts removed from the LU pump, It may have parts missing.
                What does everyone think?
                Thanks
                Jim

                2Fast4Me

                July 24, 2017 at 4:32 am #62106
                hotrod
                Participant

                  Your water line is missing that feeds the powerhead.
                  That pump spring may be too short. It should apply pressure on the piston constantly as the shaft rotates.
                  Your brass pump piston is missing or still inside the pump cavity. It has 4 small holes on the cam end and one bigger hole on the spring end and a check valve inside of it. The two check valves and piston should be clean and dry with no lube.
                  There is a notch at the powerhead end of the main tube. When inserting the tube into the motor end, this notch must align with the water fitting on the bottom or water will be blocked. This means that the lower unit must be installed on the tube with the skeg aligned with this notch on the other end. (notch down and skeg down).
                  The screwdriver can be removed now. It only holds on to the tube.
                  The driveshaft is probably stuck in the bottom 2 1/2 inches of the lower unit from corrosion or dried grease. That is the bearing area.

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