R&D Flex Coupling and Split Flange (2024)

  • Mar 29, 2017
  • #1

ak-guy

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I have a new 1.25" shaft, a new R&D shaft coupling and new R&D flex coupling and have a few questions about installation. If you have done it before how did you measure the distance at the red bolt head as the limited directions say. The directions say to use feeler gauges but the distanced is such that it would be a stack of many gauges, is this acceptable? Also I do plan on having the flange fitted to the shaft by a shop. The fit of the flange on the shaft now is an easy slide on fit. It is a split coupling so I guess this is all right?

  • Mar 29, 2017
  • #2

LarryM

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ak-guy said:

I have a new 1.25" shaft, a new R&D shaft coupling and new R&D flex coupling and have a few questions about installation. If you have done it before how did you measure the distance at the red bolt head as the limited directions say. The directions say to use feeler gauges but the distanced is such that it would be a stack of many gauges, is this acceptable? Also I do plan on having the flange fitted to the shaft by a shop. The fit of the flange on the shaft now is an easy slide on fit. It is a split coupling so I guess this is all right?

I installed one on my last boat and don't quite understand your concern. The red bolt head is pretty close to the flange face. Here is a pic I found of a typical installation.

Combining or stacking the feeler gauge blades works just fine as you are only looking for the relative difference in gap measured at 90° intervals, not the exact gap. Just vary one blade as required, and leave the other blade(s) in the 'stack' unchanged.

As for the flange fit on the shaft, it should have NO play, but a smooth sliding fit is OK.

R&D Flex Coupling and Split Flange (3)

  • Mar 29, 2017
  • #3

AusCan

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I've got a similar shaft coupling & flex coupling but not R&D, which I've had on and off a few times.

I had a look at the R&D installation procedure at R and D MARINE : Flexible Shaft Couplings

Yes - the gap will be more than one feeler gauge in thickness, so you'll have to stack them. They are still relatively accurate as long as the feeler gauges aren't old & corroded. Alternatively you can use a hard piece of steel, plastic, or anything of uniform thickness, plus one or two feeler gauges because you are only comparing the difference in measurement at each 90 degree interval. The total measurement is not important.

In regard to the split coupling, they should be a relatively easy slide on by hand, but you shouldn't have any noticeable movement other than lengthwise on the shaft.

edit - looks like Larry has got it covered

Last edited:

  • Mar 29, 2017
  • #4

LarryM

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AusCan said:

edit - looks like Larry has got it covered

You know what they say about 'Great Minds' . . . . . . R&D Flex Coupling and Split Flange (6)

  • Mar 29, 2017
  • #5

Nomad Willy

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I like those flexable couplings.
And I consider the alignment feature a plus.
However there's a great danger in their use.
As the thrust becomes greater the plastic plates bend. Choosing the right sized coupling is very important because if you get one too small there will be enough thrust to move the bolt heads close enough so they hit the opposite shaft flange. This will be similar to taking a jackhammer to the output shaft of the gear and it's thrust bearing. You know when that happens because there will be marks on the bolt heads and the shaft flanges. If this continues over a period of time you'll need to fix your trans thrust bearing at least. It happened to me. My very soft and flexable Yanmar engine mounts may have played a part in my transmission damage. Don't think so though as the max movement is at idle and max thrust is at high power.

But if the coupling is correctly sized there probably will be no trouble. I think they are sized to power rating. Hp ratings vary even w the same engine but thrust varies even more so with lower gears. So if the couplings are for a 120 to 160hp engine and you have a 140hp engine you better get the 160 to 200hp coupling. All these numbers are just as an example.

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R&D Flex Coupling and Split Flange (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of flexible couplings? ›

However, they are more complex and expensive than rigid couplings, larger and heavier due to the flexible element, less reliable and durable due to repeated flexing, and require more maintenance and inspection.

How do I choose a flexible coupling? ›

Selecting the Ideal Couplings
  1. Does the coupling provide adequate misalignment protection?
  2. Can it transmit the load torque?
  3. Do I need axial motion or axial stiffness?
  4. Can it sustain the required speed of rotation?
  5. Will it fit within the available space envelope?
  6. Can it operate at the designated ambient temperature?

What are the two subgroups that flexible couplings can be divided into? ›

Initially, flexible couplings divide into two primary groups… metallic and elastomeric. Metallic types are all-metal designs that gain their flexibility from movement of loosely fitted parts that roll or slide against each other, or from bending of non-moving metallic parts.

What are the advantages of flexible couplings? ›

The coupling is simple in structure, easy in manufacture, convenient in assembling and disassembling and changing the elastic element without moving the two halves of the coupling.

What is the problem with flexible couplings? ›

Failure to correct excessive misalignment

Even flexible couplings which are designed for use on misaligned shafts have their limits. A common point of failure is the under-estimation of the degree of misalignment, creating loads that surpass the coupling specifications.

What is the most important use for a flexible coupling? ›

The basic function of flexible coupling is to join two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or both. Various materials are used to make flexible couplings like as follows: Brass. Aluminum.

Why is flexible coupling preferred? ›

The purpose of a flexible coupling is to transmit torque from one piece of rotating equipment to another, while accepting at the same time a small amount of misalignment. Flexible coupling misalignment is expressed, as an order of magnitude, in thousandths of an inch.

How much pressure can a flexible coupling hold? ›

*Maximum test pressure 4.3 PSI (29.6 KPA) Fernco flexible couplings can be used to couple pipe when there is a break or an insertions is needed.

Which coupling is best and why? ›

Diaphragm couplings are great all-rounder shaft couplings. They can accommodate parallel misalignment as well as high angular and axial misalignment. They also have high torque capabilities and can transmit torque at high speeds without the need for lubrication.

What is a good choice for a flexible coupling application? ›

The disc coupling would be a good choice for a flexible coupling application involving very high torque or high speed. Disc couplings are highly flexible and can handle high rotational speeds and torque without significant loss of power transmission.

Why are split couplings used? ›

PVC coated split couplings are used to connect two pieces of conduit where the conduit can't be turned because of limited clearance between runs or a wall or other obstruction.

What is the difference between a coupling and a flexible coupling? ›

Rigid couplings are used to connect two shafts that are aligned with each other. Flexible couplings are used to connect two shafts that are not aligned with each other. Flexible couplings are good for when the shafts are a little bit off, while rigid couplings can't tolerate any misalignment.

How does a flexible coupling work? ›

Flexible couplings are utilized to transmit torque starting with one shaft then onto the next when the two shafts are marginally misaligned. Flexible couplings can oblige fluctuating degrees of misalignment up to 3° and some parallel misalignment.

What is a flange coupling used for? ›

Flange couplings are normally utilized in pressurized piping systems where two pipes or tubing closes need to meet up. The associating methods for flange couplings are generally solid due to either the weight of the material or the occasionally dangerous nature of materials went through numerous modern piping systems.

Do flexible couplings meet code? ›

They're accepted by a number of codes — including the Uniform Plumbing Code and the International Plumbing Code — for both above- and below-grade use. I've installed many of these couplings above and below grade and have never encountered a problem.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of jaw coupling? ›

Jaw couplings excel at absorbing axial displacement. They can operate at very high speeds. The drawbacks are that they can only tolerate 0.5 deg or so of angular misalignment and almost no parallel misalignment.

What is the main disadvantage of roller chain couplings? ›

However, roller chains also have some drawbacks. They are noisy, especially at high speeds. They require regular lubrication to prevent rust and wear. They are more expensive than bush chains and may stretch over time.

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