Plastic Sprocket Replacement - How To

OK you guys - - - Matt, Roadrunner, . . . and any others,

I know it's in here somewhere, but I can't seem to locate any helpful tips (blow-ups, pix, etc.) for replacing a plastic sprocket.

Now my dealer tells me, "it's easy!, but we all know there are some rather critical adjustments (etc.) to replacing removed chains and cables.

Can someone link me up to any posts that relate to this?

Thanks again for the assist,

-Mettmann

Hey Ya Mett..
This one is not as hard as it looks
First you remove the fin and mast on the bad sprocket, then changing the sprocket is relatively simple.
Just remove the two phillips truss screws on the sprocket guard and take off the guard and outhaul.
Then find the set screw that holds the sprocket shaft located in the middle of the spine between the front and back fins and you back that set screw out to loosen the shaft.
Next you use your fin mast/drift pin/punch/or small screw driver to tap the shaft forward or back to drop the bad sprocket off.
Finally just slip your new sprocket onto said shaft and reverse the process to put it back together.
You should not have to mess much with cable adjustments or chains other than to lift the chain off the old sprocket and onto the new one.

Heres a link from K.F.S...
http://kfs.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/ ... 7391064843

Theres a Hobie mirage drive parts diagram from the
'support link at the top of this page that should help as well
http://www.hobiecat.com/support/index.html

>>>>If I can do it anyone can
..........Kepnutz

Thanks Again Kepnutz,

Your directions for sprocket replacement were spot on and easy-breezy!

That took about 20 minutes and, besides some loose grease, was no problem. I was back on the water this weekend and put in some stress-free miles on the Outback again.

One more issue - -

The previous week I hit a rock and "smashed" the front fin. It still works and I plan to order a backup as soon as my dealer can get some. Im wondering if anyone knows of a good repair material for fins. I was thinking of using this plastic dip goop I've used on some tool handles and to patch the leather on my speedskates.

Any better solutions?

Thanks again

-Mett

Hey Ya Dune Mett )
Glad that info helped on your sprocky job..
As for cut fins ,I have been using super glue on all my fins without any problems. Just put a drop or two in and hold it together for 15/ 20 seconds, that should do the trick.
...........Have fun out there
.....................Kepnutz

Good idea to mark the sprocket shaft with a marker so that when you put it back in you can properly tighten the set screw. There is a little groove in the shaft. Looks like you were already successful but figured it was worth mentioning for the next guy.

Hey Ya QM
I agree with you on the point you make regarding the sprocket shaft and marking the shaft is a great idea .
Thank You
...Have fun out there
......Kepnutz
Windy day

Out and

Back

Hey QM,

Thanks for joining in with that tip.
I'll admit I never examined the sprocket shaft to discern a groove. But since I never completely removed the shaft, I don't believe it turned out of position. The set screw seemed to hold over the weekend tour.
But certainly something to watch for in the future. I never woulda known about the set screw - shaft groove.

I did mark the chain link where the center sprocket tooth (wider one) needs to return. Otherwise, that would throw the whole drive off.

And Kepnutz -

Thanks for the heads-up on the super glue mast fix. I'll try that first

Great pix of the day! I'm guessing you're riding tandem stern Or a good camera-in-the-stern setup.

I'd share a pic or 2 of the Land of Sky Blue Waters (of Hamm's - the Beer refreshing fame) in MN, but not sure how to attach to this forum.


Til the next "event",

-Mett

Glad the tip was helpful. If I remember correctly, the center link was a bit more square...maybe just an opti illusion.


The first time I replaced the sprocket, I had to loosen and then retighten all the bolts because I did not alternate the first time. I also kept a close eye on the fins as I alternated the bolts I was tightening.

Just finished replacing my wobbled-out sprocket with a new one and upgraded to the ST (non-turbo) fins

I followed the instructions within this thread of posts and it was a breeze!

Thanks for the great information and tips. Now I'm ready for the northwest coast of Florida...just north of Steinhatchee near Keaton Beach. 3-days of scallops, redfish and trout

_________________
"If I'm not at work, I'm Outback"