Modifying propeller hub for new rubber hub

[HillbillyGuy]

New to forum. Wanted to seek opinions and advice on a project. I have a solas ss prop and removed the 13 spline rubber hub. I want to install a 15 spline and/or mercury hub. They made this exact propeller in mercury hub model. The pics show my dilemma of sorts. Am I am trying to decide if I should remove the factory center so I can install a mercury hub, or if I should turn down the mercury hub and install from other end. I have a small machine shop, so making custom stuff is not an issue. The mercury hub slips nicely into prop hub but cannot be installed as things are currently. I do not have enough swing on my lathe to spin the prop. last pic is removed 13 spline hub. Any opinions? TY

 

[HillbillyGuy]

After serious consideration and measurements. I elected to leave the factory center in the propeller and turn down the rubber hub. I feel this is less upsetting of the system and will permit a better fit. I can then alter a Mercury splined castle thrust washer to mate the spline and lock up the nut on install. Posting in case this may help someone in the future.

 

[Chris1956]

You could take it to a prop shop. They will install any hub you like.

 

[alldodge]

I would just buy the right hub

 

[HillbillyGuy]

I would just buy the right hub

Fair enough, but I already have the stuff and right now you cannot get the correct hub. The couple I found we crazy over priced

 

[HillbillyGuy]

There are also no prop shops anywhere near where I am.

 

[cyclops222]

Auto repair or machine shops have presses to do the job correctly.

 

[HillbillyGuy]

I have a press to do the job

 

[HillbillyGuy]

The machine work has went well. It will just be a matter of fitting correctly. A couple custom parts for it and other props I have. I will post pic when finished. Me doing this means I learn something but also much closer tolerances on fitments. Center and balance should exceed nomal levels. That is my expectations anyway

 

[Chris1956]

I would recommend that when you test said prop, you have a good spare prop and the tools to change it over. Those kinds of hubs can fail at any moment, or not at all, and there is no on-the-water repair.

The other recommendation is to make sure the prop housing cannot fall off into the water, over the hub. I would think that the original design precluded that, but you never know.

 

[HillbillyGuy]

I would recommend that when you test said prop, you have a good spare prop and the tools to change it over. Those kinds of hubs can fail at any moment, or not at all, and there is no on-the-water repair.

The other recommendation is to make sure the prop housing cannot fall off into the water, over the hub. I would think that the original design precluded that, but you never know.

I will have a few with me for testing anyway.

 

[HillbillyGuy]

At least a pic update of custom hub. I did not have any stainless around so I turned a bronze wear ring and pressed it on. It really more to keep everything on center. Pic of current state of hub on a prop test shaft. I had planned on pressing in the hub, but thought it prudent to check fit so I know how far or not far I want the hub pressed into prop.

 

[HillbillyGuy]

Thought I would add pic on fancy tapered funnel for pressing in hub. I recessed the back as in pic so funnel stays centered on hub for pressing. Hillbilly says 2” cast iron pipe fitting worked well. I machined a 5 degree taper. Nothing fancy and sure isn’t going to pass the top shelf machinist, but it should do the job well.