Gents,
Finally the first PSRU with a reduction of 3.12 to 1. Pictured is
the basic box which is heavily based on Tracy’s PSRU but with the larger
reduction and 2 oil lubricated thrust bearings on the prop shaft
instead of a single sealed roller bearing in Tracy’s. This psru will
mount directly in place of Tracy's 2.85 reduction PSRU with no
modification.
Now to put to test to see if the practice matches the
theory. Already found one fault. The “O” ring seal that seals the main
body of the PSRU to the base that attaches to the mounting plate is outside
all the attachment bolts, which means that the oil can wick down the bolts and
make a lovely mess of your pride and joy. Now looking for more faults as
this is easily fixed. Unlike Tracy's , this PSRU is totally sealed with
O rings to ease dismantling with no clean up of whatever gasket sealer you
have had to use.
Now the terrible part and still undecided as I am yet
to cost a damper on the drive. Sadly it also is not cheap and may yet
cost near $500 for a ”bit of rubber”. Then comes a mounting plate as
made by Geoff Doddridge which he sells for around $400 USD. There is no
point in me trying to compete with Geoff as he does a magnificent job at a
cheap price. Freight is always a horrible price so he makes the plate
and there is no freight from Aust to be added.
The total cost in Aust dollars (including Geoff’s
plate) will be around the $5000 which equates to $3500 USD. Then freight
of possibly $200. Currently looking at further reduction in price if you
source the gear set locally saving on freight both ways to Aust and
back. I will have to alter the way it is constructed so that all the
mods can be done by you the builder. Still looking!
So far the progress.
Neil.