Trouble separating coupler

[JamesE]

I have a 1989 Martinique that I am in the process of trying to do an alignment on. I got all of the coupler bolts out but I can't seem to separate the transmission to driveshaft coupling. I sprayed it down with pb blaster then went around the coupling with a wood chisel and a hammer trying to separate it. Against my better judgement I even tried using a piece of wood and a hammer to knock the propeller backwards. All of these methods showed no movement and I am at a loss. I am already using the hammer a little harder than I would like to with no luck. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this coupling apart? I am about to try heating up the coupling with a torch. Is this OK to do? Thanks.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

RE: Trouble separating coupler

spray some lube in the strut bearing

[djbartholomew]

see if anyone around you has a slide hammer, driveshaft strut bearing puller. that would be the easy way

[JamesE]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just tried lube in the strut bearing with no luck. I would try the slide hammer idea but I don't have access to one. Not to mention this coupler is being so stubborn I'd be a little afraid of doing transmission damage with a slide hammer. Well I tried to heat it up, no luck. I also tried using a come along to put tension on the coupling while I used the hammer and chisel to try to separate it. It hasn't moved at all, any more ideas?

[JUST-IN-TIME]

well u need to do the slide hammer on the drive shaft at the prop end
we had to do this on a mastercraft last year

[8122pbrainard]

James, Do not slide hammer it even if you are only trying to separate the coupling halves. Eric over on CCfan has mentioned it many times! He sees damaged trans's come in from so called certified marine technicians who have used a slide hammer. It doesn't do the tail end of the trans any good! He has even had one come in with the case cracked. The shock load is just too much.

[SquamInboards]

I'd just get a torch in there for a minute and give the shaft some constant pressure, maybe some gentle raps with the slide hammer.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

yes you just do not go in there and bang the heck out of it, i should have said something about that
you need to tap on it while some up in the boat applies heat
but heating it can cause the seal to be wrecked

[JamesE]

Well thanks for everyone's ideas. I was finally able to get the coupling to separate. What worked was just mainly persistence. I just kept going around with the wood chisel and hammer. I also sharpened the chisel and also used a putty knife to help separate the coupling. Those two things seemed to help a little. It took me probably 3 hours total trying different things but I'm just glad I finally got it separated.

[SquamInboards]

sweetness, good luck with the alignment.

[Andrew]

i'd recommend checking the coupling on a lathe or with a micrometer to insure that it is still straight. a bent coupling will make aligning a major PITA