On Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:46:45 GMT, "Adrian Smith" wrote:


"CS" wrote in message
roups.com...

I considered the Centaflex but I would like to fit really soft engine
mounts
so preferred a double CV coupling.

Centaflex AGM is a double coupling - one at the gearbox flange and one
at the thrust bearing. CV joints in Aqua and Python are still metal to
metal - and transmit noise. "Really soft engine mounts" - mounts
should be calculated to the weight they have to support. My engine has
6 mounts and each were calculated to take account of the static weight
plus the dynamic weight increase and or decrease caused by the torque
of the engine. The rubber is still quite stiff. Really soft mounts
may not be designed for the weight and will just collapse/bottom out
and you will have a very healthy noise short from engine to bearer..


By 'really soft', I mean mounts that are obviously suitable for the engine
but allow more movement than can realistically be accommodated for by the
typical coupling to the propshaft via a R&D coupling.

What kind of coupling joint does the Centaflex use?

Adrian Smith

See note from Colin Stone (CS) who wrote
I fitted a Centaflex AGM coupling - 2 rubber couplings and a 2.4mtr 5
inch diameter hollow shaft in between and it was considerably cheaper
than Aquadrive - but not sure about Python drive. Are not Aqua and
Python the same thing but Python is the US version??

His installation is a little different to yours in that he has the
"doughnuts" 2.4m apart.
I fitted an AGM on my Narrowboat because
1 It was shorter than the Aquadrive or Python
2 No metal to metal and lubrication issues
3 Even though shorter the allowable angular misalignment appeared
greater
4 I got it cheap!

I had to move the engine forward 4 inches but fabricated some solid
mounts for the thrust bearing and I have been very pleased with it.
Very little to go wrong and thrust bearing (if it ever goes pop) is an
off the shelf item at most good bearing suppliers.

Richard

Nb "Pound Eater" Parkend G+S