How do I take off my Prop off

[summerwind1991]

I have a mercruiser 5.7 liter inboard/outboard. I need to take prop of to fix a ding in it. I have alway contracted out for prop work, but want to take off myself. Do I need a special tool? Is there any thing I should take note off while I'm taking off? Is it easy to put back on? I new at this type of stuff but want to learn this simple maintence stuff myself as I believe it's probably not rocket science. thank you.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

Welcome!!<br />You probably have the lock-tab ring on yours....there will be 1 or maybe more, of the tabs bent down into the slots of the prop hub, I find a pair of channel locks work best to straighten the tabs, then, put a socket/rachet on the nut, back it off, and the nut and lock-washer come off. pull the prop off and there should be a large washer that stays on the prop-shaft, that's your thrust washer....<br />when you get the prop off, clean the shaft and splines good, then before you re-install the prop, grease the splines good with wheel bearing grease. Slide the lock washer on, then start the nut...the nut will fit into the recessed lock washer so you may need to hold the washer out to fit the nut until it's on far enough the washer stays in the proper position with the nut. Put a piece of 2X4 under the AV plate and let 1 blade rest against the wood while you tighten the nut...just snug it down, remove the wrench/socket, and see how far the next closest slot the tab will lin up with, and tighten to that point. Use a punch and a hammer and tap the tab down into the slot just enough it won't let it turn and you're done.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

If you intend to perform this and any other maintenance on a regular basis it is highly recommended that you buy a service manual specific to your engine/outdrive. Everything you need to know is covered in great detail and by reading you will be able to tell whether you have the necessary tools, skills, and confidence to do a particular job. It is a small investment considering the damage you can do by incorrectly doing what might otherwise be a simple task.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

WOW Thank you walleyhed and Upinsmoke that was quick! I just discovered this IBOAT forum this morning, terrific alot of helpful folks with the same passion.<br /><br />I am assuming the service manual is the one I received when I purchased the boat.."Operation & Maintenance Manual" Mercury Marine or is it a more detailed binder type thing I need to get at the dealer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

I doubt that you have the factory service manual. If you received a combo Operation and Service manual it very likely only covers how to check/change engine and outdrive the oil and maybe change spark plugs. Factory Service manuals provide the info you need to overhaul and engine, the outdrive, and everything in between. They do not provide that manual free.

 

[stevens]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

Thanks again. Quick question. What is an "AV Plate" and when I tighten prop back on how tight do you go?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

The AV plate the flat plate directly above the prop. AV = Anti-ventilation. Hold the prop with one hand, tighten with prop nut wrench. You can't over-do it unless you add a three foot length of pipe to the wrench handle for leverage. And then you'll break the wrench before anything else. Pay attention as to how things come apart and make sure they go back together the same way.

 

[KRS]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

Summerwind, this is an excellent forum, check it often and you will learn as I have, lots of experience here.<br /><br />I just took my prop off last week for the first time ever too, it's that easy.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

Great thanks to you all. I've grown weary of the local marina's charge hundreds per hour to replace a $40 part. I'm not the sharpest guy the world but I'm thinking some maintenence type stuff I can handle and I plan on tapping into the experience of you folks on the forum.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

Well Thank you Walleyehed nad all instruction just spot on. I understand to clean of grease on the splines and leave the dry over the winter or should I "re-grease"?<br /><br />Is covering the lower unit with thick plastic OK is is there a better way to cover lower unit?<br /><br />After prop removed, there was water in the cavities of the lower unit, can I add AF? The drive is up and I can not move the drive down at this point?<br /><br />The water concerns me.. Thank you.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: How do I take off my Prop off

Re-grease the splines, so that in the future the prop will not bind to the shaft. Unit should be stored in the down position for the winter to allow water to drain. It would be OK to cover the leg if nessesary...