Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Pleasure boats, Sports, Race, Power and Leisure Boats: => Topic started by: Paul R on March 19, 2013, 10:12:29 pm

Title: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: Paul R on March 19, 2013, 10:12:29 pm

Is there an easy way of doing this, without removing the rudder everytime lube is required.?
Thanks

Title: Re: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: gregk9 on March 20, 2013, 05:57:03 pm

All depends on how much you would like to keep the flexi "flexible". if you miss out on an oiling/cleaning session, then there is a likelyhood of rust forming inside the strands, so careful and regular maintenance will help you to keep the flexi going longer.
I was advised to remove a flexi drive after each sailing, clean it, then re oil it and allow to stand for a few hours "in oil" before wiping off the excess and reinstalling.
"works for me"

Title: Re: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: essex2visuvesi on March 20, 2013, 06:48:15 pm

Quote from: gregk9 on March 20, 2013, 05:57:03 pm

I was advised to remove a flexi drive after each sailing, clean it, then re oil it and allow to stand for a few hours "in oil" before wiping off the excess and reinstalling.
"works for me"

I was told similar, but to leave the flex drive in the oil between sailings and only refit before sailing

Title: Re: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: Danny on March 20, 2013, 09:35:57 pm

A nice oil "bath" can be made from a length of 15mm copper pipe slightly longer than your longest flexi, with a flat piece of copper soldered onto one end. Then jubilee clip it to a bracket on the end of your bench.  Insert the flexi(s) (leaving the prop on, to stop it dropping to the bottom) and fill with light oil (Wilkinsons do a nice cheap one).  As 'essex' infers, the longer you leave it in there, the less chance rust has of developing.

Happiness is a clean flexi :-)

Danny

Title: Re: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: essex2visuvesi on March 20, 2013, 10:38:34 pm

Quote from: Danny on March 20, 2013, 09:35:57 pm

Happiness is a clean flexi :-)

Danny

And a well lubricated flexi  :o


(http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee322/Essex2Visuvesi/OohMatron.jpg)

Title: Re: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: black magic racing on March 21, 2013, 08:21:30 am

putting some brake fluid in with the oil helps as well as brake fluid draws out any water that may be trapped in the flexi shaft, :-))

Title: Re: Flex Drive Maintenance on Miss Geico 29
Post by: Steve J on March 21, 2013, 09:02:36 am

Quote from: Paul R on March 19, 2013, 10:12:29 pm

Is there an easy way of doing this, without removing the rudder everytime lube is required.?

Change to an offset rudder ? This (http://www.proboatmodels.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PRB4087) implies that the one for the Blackjack 29 will fit.

Steve