Eska 7.5 converted to direct drive

[glennmcintire]

I just got done taking apart my Eska 7.5 because it would not go into gear. It has (had) forward and neutral only. Once I got the power head off I discovered that everything related to shifting was bent or broken.

So my mind Immediately started realling off all the things that I'll need to replace to get this thing to shift again. It seemed that all the parts would probably be findable, custom makeable.

Then I started thinking that with searching, shipping, fabrication, customizing this little project just turn very time consuming and probably somewhat expensive. My fire went out.

I sat in front of my pile of Eska parts just a little defeated. Then I thought I'd better make sure the clutch and impeller are any good because if they were bad I'd just sell the powerhead; it runs like a champ. The clutch seems in very good shape.

As I was moving the thing in and out of gear with my fingers the light bulb went on! "Why don't I just rig this thing up direct drive?" So I did.

I put a piece of 1/2" copper pipe over the lower portion of the shift rod, drilled a hole in the pipe, put a bolt through the pipe and the rod to keep it in gear all the time.

I haven't tested it yet because the impeller was bad. But as soon as I get the new impeller and get in the water I'll post a full report.

If anyone sees any problems - please let me know.

Glenn

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Eska 7.5 converted to direct drive

anything to stop the clutch outer collar from spinning, if you your clutch brakes from inside you can weld the collier tight.
the broken parts that I think your talking about are out there, ebay

 

[glennmcintire]

Re: Eska 7.5 converted to direct drive

Yeah, I thought about having the clutch and gear welded. I didn't do it for two reasons, one I didn't really want to disassemble the whole lower end and two, I may want to rebuild the shift assembly later.

I've been thinking that maybe the copper pipe might develop some slop and create a condition where the prop is only partialy engaged. That situation may cause some damage to the gear and clutch. I'll keep an eye on that for sure.

GMc