What is best way to remove 3 blade aluminum prop from OMC Sterndrive?

[stancalame]

I need to remove/replace my existing prop from a 1992 OMC king cobra sterndrive. I have no idea if or how many times it has been removed. I am anticipating the worst and hoping for best. I saw this video for a puller but I cant find it online. Seems to be discontinued or I am not looking in right place and google is letting me down. https://youtu.be/WdQxf3NnQh0

I seen ACME propeller removals tools but those seem to be used for solid brass type props on direct drive shafts not I/O systems.

I read about people loosening the prop nut and backing trailer in to water and using the reverse direction of prop against the water on the boat Ramp to "push the prop off.

Any lessons learned. My boat is at a remote lake and I don't have a lot of tools at my disposal so trying to be as prepared as I can when I get there.

 

[Grub54891]

Once the hardware is off, it should slip right off. Otherwise you will have to fabricate or buy a puller like that.

 

[Sea Rider]

Current prop hould slip off inmediately after if shaft was properly greased before bolting prop back. With time debris, salt formations will stick hard prop onto shaft. If actual prop is of no use, put a wooden block rear of prop blades and give a hard knock with hammer against block....

Happy Boating

 

[stancalame]

Thanks. I do t know if previous owner greased properly. Prop blades are damaged and I was planning on investigating if repair is an option. However if it's stuck I'll try block as last resort.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the block isnt the last resort

actually, if there is no grease on the shaft and it is good and stuck, as a last resort you cut the prop off the shaft.

for that, you need a die grinder with cut-off wheels

 

[Maclin]

"I read about people loosening the prop nut and backing trailer in to water and using the reverse direction of prop against the water on the boat Ramp to "push the prop off."

Seems like a good way to lose the prop at the ramp, just sayin'

 

[stancalame]

Thanks for the ideas. Much to my surprise once I got the prop lock off the prop slid right off. THe prop lock was a very old deisgn and had me worries. Now for a replacement prop and I should be in business. THings worked out easy this time.

 

[Sea Rider]

"I read about people loosening the prop nut and backing trailer in to water and using the reverse direction of prop against the water on the boat Ramp to "push the prop off."

Seems like a good way to lose the prop at the ramp, just sayin'

Yes, no way a extremely seized-up prop onto shaft will be removed that way. There's no worse diligence than which is not done..

If cutting blades & prop body off, don't screw splinned shaft under body with cut-off wheel LOL!!

Happy Boating

 

[stancalame]

No Title

I have a few more questions

I assume that the washer below in the photo with the red arrow is supposed to stay on the shaft? I think I've read and watch videos and understand it is a thrust washer. Looks like some of the hub is adhering to it. Kind of rubbery.

On second pic I noticed that I'm missing a bolt with an allen head. Does anyone no the size and material for the bolt to replace it? Or is there a place I can look it up? I assume it holds the housing on which holds the shaft. Im surpised two bolts have held it. An exploded view would be nice. I assume I need to be concerned with dissimiliar metals and corosion, so I dont know if the replacement bolt needs to be, aluminum, s

What is the torque spec for the nut when I go back on with new prop?

 

[Grub54891]

That thrust washer does come off, usually you remove it when removing the prop, and clean any fish like and debris from behind it, if you don't the fish line could cut the seal, and the lower unit would get water in it, potentially ruining the lower unit. That bolt hole is nothing to be concerned about. It's for pulling the carrier out when repairing the unit, A puller would hook up there. Can't tell ya torque spec on that one offhand.

 

[stancalame]

Thanks
I didnt try to pull it off but it seemed to be stuck pretty firm. I am remote from the boat so cant go check it. I'll try to remove and look for fishing line. What about the rubbery black stuff from the hub, should I try to scrape off with a scraper?

 

[Sea Rider]

Once prop is removed, clean shaft splines till meets with thrust washer, once clean pull washer out and clean it outside at both sides to immacculate clean cond with proper solvent. Once clean, coat both sides with proper grease, include prop shaft splines, clean internal prop bushing and both rubber sides if plan to use it again with solvent. Parts will slide easier if plan removing them in the future.

If torque spec is not available, once prop rests on shaft, turn & sit propeller nut tight with fingers till stops, block prop with a wooden block as not to turn, with wrench adjust till nut and shaft has holes aligned in straight line, install split pin, bend both sides against nut and voil?. Don't forget to install washer between rear prop and nut..

Happy Boating

 

[stancalame]

Awesome advice. Any recommendation on proper solevnt? Will mineral spirits or acetone work? I assume I need to be careful of the rubber hub. I'm getting brandnew Solas prop with hub.

 

[bruceb58]

That bolt hole is nothing to be concerned about. It's for pulling the carrier out when repairing the unit, A puller would hook up there. Can't tell ya torque spec on that one offhand.

OP...what is your model number? In those years King Cobra could mean a cone clutch or a dog clutch model?

 

[Sea Rider]

Awesome advice. Any recommendation on proper solevnt? Will mineral spirits or acetone work? I assume I need to be careful of the rubber hub. I'm getting brandnew Solas prop with hub.

On a fixed rubber hub prop usually clean it with a cotton swab moinstened with acrylic thinner applied in circles. repeat several times till clean. Don't soak any rubber part in thinner. Can squirt W-40 on Solas hub, let soak, repeat same procedure if thinking thinner will harm rubber hubs.

Happy Boating

 

[stancalame]

OP...what is your model number? In those years King Cobra could mean a cone clutch or a dog clutch model?

I dont think this was meant for me.

 

[stancalame]

On a fixed rubber hub prop usually clean it with a cotton swab moinstened with acrylic thinner applied in circles. repeat several times till clean. Don't soak any rubber part in thinner. Can squirt W-40 on Solas hub, let soak, repeat same procedure if thinking thinner will harm rubber hubs.

Happy Boating

Now that I think about, I asked a dumb question, I need to clean the rubber sustance off the thrust washer so I should not matter what I use since washer is metal. Does your comment about soaking the solas hub in WD40 still hold? I would not think IK'd need to do anything to new prop and hub buth that is why Im asking.

 

[bruceb58]

I dont think this was meant for me.

It actually was.

Probably not necessary regarding this thread because I was wondering about the missing bolt but it's likely ok.

 

[stancalame]

No Title

Sorry Bruceb58, My model number is 986704.

 

[Sea Rider]

Now that I think about, I asked a dumb question, I need to clean the rubber sustance off the thrust washer so I should not matter what I use since washer is metal. Does your comment about soaking the solas hub in WD40 still hold? I would not think IK'd need to do anything to new prop and hub buth that is why Im asking.

If it's a new prop just grease well with marine grease both ends of hub along shaft splines & thrust washer at both sides. With old props can spray some W40 at both ends, not deep inmersion though, let product penetrate to remove debris faster. If it's shot already don't do a thing, use it as a paper weight. and have fun with new prop.

Happy Boating