Greasing the direct drive shaft ...

[OhioTD]

You may think this is a stupid question but give me a break, i'm new to the hobby and want to do everything right !!!

Ok, i own the Hobbico Aquacraft Nitro Hammer and have heard mentioned several times how important it is to keep the direct drive shaft greased. My question is : 1.) how does the drive shaft come apart so i can grease it ? 2.) how often should this be done ? 3.) and what is the best grease/lube to use ?

I appreciate any help and hope you'll understand i am new to the hobby, i know for you experienced guys you may think this is a silly self explanatory question but i don't see where to take the drive shaft apart ?

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[goldtj]

Hi Fellow newbie here :D My experience wiv this is that if u look at the end of the shaft with the prop u should see a nut which is screwed hard up against the prop. Undo these and keep them safe (duh). Now u should be able to remove the shaft itself from the ENGINE end (u might have to move/remove the engine to do this). When u've got the shaft out u can shove loadsa grease down the tube n then put the shaft back in.

All of this is assuming that the drive is like mine (possibly).
Hope this helps.

[MoPower]

As far as what type of grease, you should use a light lithuim or white grease. Aviod heavy grease's like MOLY grease because it's thick like clay, and your driveshaft wont be able to spin in it's tube.

[OhioTD]

HEY .... GOLDTJ :confused:

i took the nut off at the end where the prop is and also removed prop but thats as far as i got .... i didn't see where that loosened anything ? should the shaft pull out from the stern of the boat ? hopefully i get it figured out how to remove it and grease regularly ... i'm not going to run it until i do cause many people on here mentioned how important it is to keep that direct drive greased everytime.

Thanks for any of your advice and help, it is greatly appreciated !!

[goldtj]

U should be able to losen the shaft at the end where its connected to the engine. When u get that end loose u should be able to withdraw the shaft from the prop end. Basically u need to have the shaft wiv nothing on it at either end, then u should be able to get it out.


Hope this helps.

[OhioTD]

Hey GoldTJ

Thanks for all your help, i realized finally that i had to remove the gas tank to get to the set screw that holds the drive shaft in ... i got it out today and greased it. THANKS !!!

Now, i have a bigger problem ... today the plastic rudder cracked right at the top, it was not apparent that i hit anything and the water was plenty deep enough. The big problem is i went to Tower Hobbies to order on and they are back ordered till late August ... This SUCKS !!!! i want to run my boat but now i'm not able to till i get a new one. I was wondering if anyone makes these like out of aluminum or something that would replace this plastic one ?

[goldtj]

No prob. Just make sure u put it all back together right or u might do some nasty damage.

Ouch, cracked rudder. Have u tried wrapping duct tape around it? Bit of a bodge but it will probably wrk.