Jump to content

Welcome to TheMalibuCrew!

As a guest, you are welcome to poke around and view the majority of the content that we have to offer, but in order to post, search, contact members, and get full use out of the website you will need to Register for an Account. It's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the TheMalibuCrew Family today!

Questions about the coupler


Recommended Posts

I have 2006 Wakesetter VLX.  I bought the boat last fall and have put about 10 hours on it.  My first trip this spring I experienced a huge vibration at the end of the day and just idled back in.  What I found was the coupler bolts loose and they had elongated the holes.  The threads on the stainless bolts were pretty well gone.   I'm in the process now of removing the coupler without much luck.  Question is what size bolts need to be in there?  It had 3/8 bolts but the holes are 7/16. I'm also not impressed with the brass nuts? Anyone ever use steel nuts with a stainless bolts?  This is my first post.     Thanks

 

Link to comment
23 minutes ago, Dieselnutz said:

I have 2006 Wakesetter VLX.  I bought the boat last fall and have put about 10 hours on it.  My first trip this spring I experienced a huge vibration at the end of the day and just idled back in.  What I found was the coupler bolts loose and they had elongated the holes.  The threads on the stainless bolts were pretty well gone.   I'm in the process now of removing the coupler without much luck.  Question is what size bolts need to be in there?  It had 3/8 bolts but the holes are 7/16. I'm also not impressed with the brass nuts? Anyone ever use steel nuts with a stainless bolts?  This is my first post.     Thanks

 

Common and often overlooked issue. Everyone should check their NUTS yearly!  My 06 VLX did the same thing. I caught it before all bolts loosened. I was able to replace the worn bolt and re tighten all of them. I think there is a boss from one piece of the coupler to the other for alignment, others can confirm that. You should be able replace the bolts and tighten good and be on your way. Check them occasionally.

Link to comment

The head of the bolts were wallowed down in the aluminum.  I was afraid new bolts with washers would just come loose too. The strut bushings are very worn and also need to be replaced. I made the decision to replace the coupler.  I feel it was the right decision but a painful one.  Unfortunately now that I am fully committed to replacing the coupler there is no turning back.  I just want to make sure it does not repeat itself.  I may have to cut the coupler off or cut the shaft!

Link to comment
formulaben

You should plan on replacing the shaft packing (unless you have a dripless system) and also the Cutlass bearing...if you really want to be proactive, check the rudder bushings as that is the time to replace them since you'll have access to easily drop the rudder with the shaft out.

And don't forget to check the shaft alignment too.

Edited by formulaben
Link to comment

I finally got it off.  I drilled a series of holes in line with the key.  They went at it with a air chisel along that line.  When it got close to the shaft it popped off.  You can see the damage the loose bolts did before I destroyed it.

Screenshot_20200517-105521_Messages.jpg

Screenshot_20200517-105455_Messages.jpg

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...