Fishing Line & Prop Damage

[computerdude00]

Doing some work on an engine that came with a new boat. It's a 1987 Force 35, and upon removing the propeller found that fishing line had gotten wrapped around the prop shaft. The line was literally fused together into a washer from heat and pressure. There was nothing else between the lower end and prop. It appears that a fairly deep goove has been cut by the line into the brass hub of the prop. The lower end looks flat and smooth. My question is two fold: first, is the prop history, or is it repairable? And second, what if anything should be on the shaft between the prop and lower end? (washer or bearing?) The following link is the best attempt I could make at a photo- the end of my index finger has about the same shape as the cut into the prop hub. Thanks for entertaining my newbie-ness!- Todd<br /><br /> <br />Prop Photo

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

I would be more concerned about the prop shaft than the prop. I would guess the prop's OK. In any case it can be rehubbed by a prop shop for no too much $. If the mono got inside the gearcase at all, the prop shaft may be cut and/or the seals may need to be replaced. Watch for oil loss and/or water incursion inot gearcase.

 

[computerdude00]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Thanks for the info Jim. I double checked the shaft... it looks OK, no cuts or grooves. The seal around the shaft looks OK too. I don't think the line managed to work its way up into the lower end, but I haven't changed the gear lube yet. When I do, I will check for water intrusion.<br /><br />At least it is good news on rehubbing the prop. Looks like a rebuild on that size prop (10 3/8") runs about $30. That probably doesn't include a new hub, and I will check into it. In any case it should be cheaper than a $120 new prop.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

There's a washer that goes in there (finger). It's called a thrust washer. <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[computerdude00]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Hey Hooty- Thanks for that little tidbit. I have an exploded diagram of the lower end and prop, and it wasn't clear exactly where the thrust washer was located... from the diagram it almost looked like it was internal. So there is my newbie tip for the day- thrust washer on shaft between prop and lower end.... I'm betting that it works a lot better than a wad of fishing line...

 

[Hooty]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Roger that.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[harrison20002]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Computerdude00; Your thrust washer should go directly in front the reverse gear. Reverse is the first gear you come to when pulling the lower unit apart. Having done all this labor don't forget to inspect/replace the impeller.<br /><br />Hope this helps, Happy boating,Hal

 

[sloopy]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

it looks like you should sharpin the fish line cutter on the prop too

 

[ob]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Harrison ,Ithink they are speaking of the propeller thrust washer that if equipped seats on the proppeller shaft and has nothing to do with lower unit gears.You are correct however in refering to one that does exist in lower unit gear assy.

 

[computerdude00]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Hey guys- just wanted to thank you for the responses on this post. My Force 35 project is going well. I completed the powerhead assembly last night, and it is sitting on my work bench ready to be installed into the motor. Now all I've got to do is figure out what all these "extra" parts are for..... ;-)

 

[almost retired again]

Re: Fishing Line & Prop Damage

Hey Computerdude00,<br />A tip to eliminate fishing line build up in the future. At the rear edge of the prop hub, I'm talking about the part that enters the gearcase, take a small three corned file and cut a sharp notch in it. This tends to cut the line as it trys to get behind the prop. This usually works.<br />Good luck