stuck prop

[tmcalavy]

How do you get a stuck prop off the shaft without tearing up either one? I got the nut and ring off the shaft, but the prop won't budge? Any ideas? All input appreciated. This is on a 79 50 hp Merc lower unit. Thanks.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: stuck prop

There are pullers made for the job. You may be ahead by having a dealer do the job, instead of owning a one time tool. Once you get it off, make sure to clean up the splines on the shaft and the prop well and use grease on the splines when re-assembling. Remove the prop and re-grease every year.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: stuck prop

Unfortunately there is no 'magic' way.<br /><br />You could give it good spray of penetrating oil (repeat now and then) and see if it loosens. Leaving it overnight for the oil to work may help.<br /><br />If you have to spoil either, try to save the shaft.

 

[Hooty]

Re: stuck prop

Raise the l/u until the prop shaft is as close to vertical as you can get it and soak the splined shaft with Kroil (penetrating fluid) for 4 or 5 days and then use a hard plastic mallet to drive the thing off.<br /><br />g/luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[tazzy62]

Re: stuck prop

this may sound brutal but it NEVER fails. lay the outboard down on the floor with the prop facing upwards place two sturdy pieces (sturdy enough so that they won't topple over!)of timber under the prop so that the lower unit is about an inch off the floor and so they are as close as poss to the root of the blades. place a couple of layers of rag between the prop and timber and another wad of rags under the lower unit to provide a soft landing for it! if you have a steel prop nut undo it until flush with the end of the shaft. if you have a cone nut remove it. place a piece of timber on the end of the shaft and strike it sharply and squarely with the hammer. even the most stubborn drop out on the third whack. i have not damaged a prop or shaft yet but don't blame me if you do! good luck.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: stuck prop

Thanks for the ideas. I've got it soaking in WD40, closest thing I've got to penetrating oil. I'll let it soak overnight and then try Tazzy's method tomorrow...sounds interesting enough that it might just work. Beats buggering up my pullers. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: stuck prop

Well, it was fun banging pieces of iron together with a sledge but Tazzy's 'beat it off with a big hammer" method only budged it a little bit. Guess I'll try some PB Blaster or Kroil (where do you find this?) for about a week and then try again. I can always drill holes in the prop barrel, attach some bolts and chain and try to pull it off with one of my pullers. That may be round three. If anyone comes up with any other bright ideas, I'm all ears. Thanks.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: stuck prop

Reconsider going by a shop and have them do it. Should take 10 mins and cost a 6-pack.

 

[harrison20002]

Re: stuck prop

Tim Mc; You can get PB Blaster at Kragens or most any Napa store. Get the l/u as level as you can and saturate with the Blaster. Let that soak overnight, get the nut level with the end of the threads and give it a couple of good sharp raps. <br /><br />When reinstalling the prop, don't use grease, try Neverseize. Hope this is helpful. Happy Boating,Hal

 

[sloopy]

Re: stuck prop

remove all the nuts and bolts on the shaft, then start the motor up with muffs guickly shift into revers and ev up then quickly shift ito forward, then kill the engine. IT MIGHT HURT THE GEARS ALITTLE!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: stuck prop

Sloopy! You can't possibly mean to give this advice...?<br /><br />If somebody did this, he wouldn't even get the thrust from the prop as it's out of the water.<br /><br />Reversing at sea would do something, but it's really not a way to go.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: stuck prop

Thrashing it back and forth from forward to reverse is not an option. This LU is in the shop vise not on the outboard leg. Any other ideas?

 

[sloopy]

Re: stuck prop

lol, not thrusting it off! it would help loosen it alot!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: stuck prop

As it is removed from the boat already, the prop shop would by far be the easiest (and smartest).<br /><br />That is, if there is a propshop within reasonlable reach.

 

[kart33]

Re: stuck prop

Had the same problem 2 weeks ago with my 1985 90HP Rude. Took it to the prop shop and they had to burn it off. They have a tool to spray water on the back side of the prop to keep the shaft cool and not burn up the seals in the lower unit. Then they heated the shaft where the nut goes and burned the rubber hub out of the propeller. It was the best $40.00 I ever spent as I was on the water the next day instead of rebuilding the lower unit. It cost another $30.00 to rehub the prop to use it for a back up for the new one I bought. Good luck.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: stuck prop

Bump. Any more suggestions? Thanks.