Installing New Propeller

[scubatrooper]

How does the old saying go? It’s not a matter of if you will need a new prop but when! <br /><br />I had a little problem hitting something at the ramp (after a fun day of boating not before!) that chewed up my 14 x 23 aluminum prop pretty good. I found a great deal on a brand new Mercury Black Max prop on eBay that is an exact replacement for the prop that came with my boat (2004 Caravelle 187LS with Mercury 4.3 liter V-6, Alpha One). The new prop also comes with the Flo-Torq hub kit. This seller was also including a free Mercury emergency prop (looks like bright yellow plastic). I also bought one of those yellow floating prop wrenches.<br /><br />My problem is I've never changed a boat propeller before. I’ve searched this web site and the internet for some step-by-step instructions or guidelines but can’t find anything anywhere.<br /><br />My question is, can any of you very helpful boaters point me in the right direction to find information on how to properly change a prop on an Alpha One Sterndrive? Or if you know how already would you be willing to share your knowledge with me here? Will I need any tools besides the prop wrench and basic tools like needle nose pliers, etc.? I would appreciate any and all advice. <br /><br />With safety being my primary concern, if all of you think this is a job where I should take my boat to the dealer to have this done that’s what I’ll do.<br /><br />Thank you all for your time, advice and assistance. I hope everyone is having a great boating season so far!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Steve

 

[Darren Smith]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Changing a prop is easy. First, bend the lock tabs away from the locking washer, and DO NOT use a screwdriver against the side of the prop as it will bend the lip of the prop. Then remove the nut, and lock washer. Remove the spacer. Remove the prop. For the flo-torq, you will probably have to remove the old thrust washer (they tend to stick to the prop). then follow the directions for the new hub kit, and reverse removal procedures.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Grease the prop shaft while you're at it so it will be easy to get off the next time. Your outdrive service schedule calls for this to be done every few months anyway. It will also specify the type of grease to use.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

KnotAddicted & rwidman:<br /><br />Thank you both for your advice. The prop is due to be delivered by UPS in a couple days. Since it's in the factory packaging I'm hoping Mercury includes some basic instructions and/or diagrams with the product. We'll see. Thanks again.<br /><br />All other comments and additions to this great advice is welcome and desired.<br /><br />Steve

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

I can't even find detailed information at our local public library! Went to Borders bookstore and they don't have any decent books on fixing boats either. HELP!!!!

 

[vipzach]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Don't over think about this scuba, it is really is as easy as what the other guys have already said. Not a big deal. Just put some marine grease on the shaft and put back on in the reverse of what you took it off.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Installing New Propeller

As they said, it is easy to do. Mine has a cotter pin (OMC Cobra). Just remove the cotter pin, pull of the cap that keeps the nut from turning (slips over the prop nut and held in place by the cotter pin), then remove the nut.<br /><br />You may have to tap the prop to get it off if no one greased it, but it is not hard.<br /><br />Reverse the order, put in a new cotter pin, and off you go.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Thanks for the follow-up Jack. Do you (or anyone else out there)know what type of "water-proof" grease to use when re-installing the prop?<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Steve

 

[ziggy]

Re: Installing New Propeller

hi steve, i use polaris waterproof grease. that's what i got on hand for waterproof grease, so that is what i use. i bet merc would sell ya the proper grease for it though. i don't know what the proper torque for your prop nut is, but i'd try to torque it back on to proper specs if possible. things work better i think that way. someone else, hopefully will give ya the proper nut torque as i don't know the spec is for your drive.<br /><br />also, have ya been to branced oak lake? thought i saw a boat that might have been yers 2 or three weeks back. red and white caravelle? where'd ya find the rocks(something) too so i can stay away from that ramp..... jim

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Ziggy:<br /><br />No, that wasn't me. I've only been on Lake Manawa three or four times to break-in the engine. The dealer said to be careful the first ten hours of use. That didn't follow through with the prop.<br /><br />Long story short, I was coming up to the ramp after a couple hours on the water. Another boat was to the right and the two people holding it didn't have it tied down. It was windy and the water was real choppy and the back of their boat started to swing around towards the front of my boat. I gunned it in reverse to pull back as I was afraid their engine would hit the bow/starboard side of my boat. When I got on the throttle the back of my boat dropped down just enough for the prop to hit some rock or concrete. And there goes the aluminum prop! <br /><br />So I have a new Merc 14 x 21 prop on the way and wasn't sure about the specific procedure to change it. The Merc owner's manual does have one page on this but it is very basic information so I was looking here for some good advice here.<br /><br />I hope to get to Lincoln Branched Oak Lake sometime soon. I'd like to do some camping and boating there some weekend. <br /><br />Is the water level high enough for boating at Branched Oak? Somebody told me they thought it was too low to get in at the ramps and too low to do any real boating. I hope you have had the chance to get out.<br /><br />Steve<br /><br />P.S.<br />The Caravelle runs great! I only have about six hours on her but she rides real smooth and seems to have plenty of power. After break-in I'm looking forward to getting the skis and tubes out!

 

[ziggy]

Re: Installing New Propeller

steve, i didn't go over to the red and white boat cause i wasn't sure it was a caravelle and didn't think it was you. guess it wasn't.<br />do get on down to branched oak. the water level is the highest its been in 4 years. and it's rained another 1.5-2" since last weekend. its getting better all the time. way coool for me. it's my close lake. lots of large sail boats, big I/O's so i don't think depth is an issue there right now. it's still lower than it should be, but it's plenty navagateable.<br />get that prop R&Red and come on over. look for me on my silver fx140 crusier waverunner or my ol white tri hull. named kennyo on the back. hopeing to get my shift cables adj. today on the kennyo and be out this weekend. it's given me a few problems this spring but is about ready for the water,, i hope, i hope. had it out once so far after much service. so far so good......happy boating steve.

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Sounds good Ziggy. I may try to get over there next weekend if I get the new prop on in time. I haven't named the boat yet but my registration number is NB 015 KEX. I hope to see you out sometime soon. Have a great weekend.<br /><br />Steve

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Any manufacturer of gimble bearing grease is great for prop shafts as well.....

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Thanks Walleyehed. I found reference in my manual to three different types of grease for this project. I guess I'll be heading to my local delaers part shop. Have a good one.<br /><br />Steve

 

[jlinder]

Re: Installing New Propeller

I checked my SELOC manual and they say to tighten the prop to 10 ft lbs

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

Jack:<br /><br />Thanks for the info. I plan to buy a Mercruiser repair manual very soon. You mentioned you have a SELOC. Is this a good one to get? I think the other company that puts out this type of book is called Clymer.<br /><br />Do you, or anyone else out there, have an opinion which is better for a new boater to use and understand?<br /><br />Thanks again for the information.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Steve

 

[ziggy]

Re: Installing New Propeller

i hope someone else can comfirm the 10 ft lbs spec. seems mighty low to me. hardly tight at all. my model 1 drive is 40 ft lbs, + 5 to get the lock tabs to align. <br />steve. seems the genearal consensis is to get the oem service manual. i agree. though i do have a clymers and it's ok. just a little more vague than the oem manual. i got the oem too and use both. my 2 cents is to get the oem..... jim

 

[scubatrooper]

Re: Installing New Propeller

My search in other areas has said the same thing Ziggy. Get an OEM service manual. I think I'll start searching eBay for the manuals but might go ahead and get a SELEC or Clymers as an additional resource. <br /><br />My owners manual says to torque the propeller nut to 55 lb-ft. or 75 nm.<br /> <br />Looks like my new prop will be delivered tomorrow (according to UPS tracking) so no boating this weekend. Have a good one. <br /><br />Steve

 

[jlinder]

Re: Installing New Propeller

From the SELOC manual, page 11-5:<br />

Tighten the propeller nut to a torque value of 10 ft lbs (14 Nm), and then a bit more to align the hole through the nut with the hole throught the propeller shaft.

Not sure if you need higher torque with the cotter pin / vsdyrllsyrf nuy. The splines keep it from sliding on the shaft, and the cotter pin keeps the nut from coming loose. <br /><br />SELOC also calls for

Perfect Seal No. 4, Triple Guard Grease, or a similar good grade of lubricant

 

[ziggy]

Re: Installing New Propeller

JackL, out of curiosity, what years and drives does yer seloc manual cover. i'm sorry, i'm still skeptical about the ten ft. lbs. the prop shaft nut is pretty big for only 10 ft lbs. i just seems to me. it could be right, i don't know as i have no info available to me. <br />steve, now ya got two pieces of info. JackL's and yer owners manual that came with yer new boat. personaly i'd belive the owners manual. just my 2 cents again. have a happy day......