CONTROL & MTG GP-ELECTRONIC 3470947 - Caterpillar

TYPE="LEVEL" DEPTH="1" @@@-->
If the vessel cannot continue under its own power, it is recommended that the vessel be towed. The propeller of a vessel being towed will windmill through the water. Propeller rotation causes the propeller shaft to rotate. An extended period of propeller shaft rotation without proper lubrication will damage the marine transmission shaft bearings. If pressurized oil cannot be supplied to the marine transmission shaft bearings during towing, the propeller shaft must be secured to prevent shaft rotation.
Most marine transmissions can be back driven (propeller wind milling with dead engine) under the following conditions, provided that vessel speed does not exceed normal maximum propulsion speed of the vessel. For intermittent back driving, such as:* Sailboat auxiliary (short trips)* Towing purse boats in seining operations1. Start the engine and operate the marine gear in neutral, at normal oil pressure, for a minimum of three minutes. Do this once every 24 hours.2. Maintain oil level the same for back driving as for normal propulsion, or keep level above FULL mark on dipstick.3. Make sure the marine transmission is in neutral while the craft is being towed. For continuous back driving, such as:* Sailboat auxiliary (long trips)* Towing to deliver a boat* Towing home a boat with engine trouble (long trip-more than a day)1. Operate in neutral with oil at normal oil pressure for a minimum of three minutes every 12 to 14 hours.2. Fill the marine gear with oil until level touches input shaft, on the engine centerline.3. Make sure the marine transmission is in neutral while the craft is being towed.Securing the Propeller
Reverse wind milling can cause engine damage. The best way to prevent reverse wind milling is to secure the propeller. If possible, lock the propeller shaft to prevent rotation.After the shaft has been secured, have the towing vessel travel at slow speed in order to minimize the wind milling force on the propeller. If the vessel is being towed and the marine transmission is allowed to windmill for long periods, the engine must be started and the marine transmission operated for five minutes every 12 hours to lubricate the shaft bearings.There are several ways of preventing shaft rotation. The correct method depends upon the turning force of the propeller, and the construction of the propeller shaft tunnel. Use the method best suited for the type of installation.Propeller Shaft Wrapping
1. On small vessels, wrap a heavy rope around the propeller shaft. The number of wraps needed will depend upon the mass of the propeller and propeller shaft.2. Secure the rope in the opposite direction of shaft rotation.Securing the Companion Flange
1. Remove one or more bolts from the companion flange coupling. Bolt a chain to the companion flange. Wrap the chain several times around the propeller shaft.2. Secure the loose end of the chain at a right angle to the shaft and in opposite direction of shaft rotation.