yuri (osteoderm@yahoo.com) is asking (8 April 2006):

 I'm involved with fitting the new engine, a Universal M3-20 18hp that is replacing the squeezed-in old Perkins 4-107 45hp i have removed. It looks likely that i will have to replace the stern tube; the existing one is bronze, but thin-walled and corroded where the stuffing-box secures to it.

I was wondering if someone might have any information regarding the construction of the deadwood area through wich the tube passes. Do you have any idea what the 6 "ports" in the deadwood are for? Through these (two small round, and one medium rectangular each side) the bronze tube can be seen. There were no set-screws for my (now removed) cutlass bearing; perhaps the opening are for accessing a set screw? Perhaps for additional cooling of the bearing?

 I am very curious to learn as much as i can before cutting into this area to replace the tube. I will likely employ a modern pultruded fibreglass tube, sized to fit the new smaller (the current one is 30mm) propshaft, and will simply epoxy everything in place, filling all holes and voids in the deadwood as neccessary

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