are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

[Maxximus]

Newbie here...
I have a 2007 Bayliner 175BR with 3.0L Mercruiser with Alpha One sterndrive. I have two props for it (identical) and the current one is pretty nicked up and I want to change it out. I'm a little unclear and don't want to damage anything when changing them. I've heard from some people that you don't really need a prop wrench, that a deep enough socket or other wrench will do. I've also been reading about prop pullers. Are these a requirement to remove/install the prop or do they just make it quicker/more convenient? Don't want to start taking things apart until I know all of what I need to do and any tools related.

From other posts I've seen and looking at it assembled, my initial plan was to use a wooden block to brace the prop and keep it from moving, then using either a basic prop wrench or deep socket wrench to loosen the brass prop nut. Is the rest just sliding off the parts, sliding the new prop on, then sliding the other parts back on and tightening down the nut?
Thanks in advance for any comments/advice.

 

[ufm82]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

You're on the right track. Nothing other than a pair of pliers to "unlock" the tabbed washer under the nut. Once the tabs are out of the way, slap a socket on it and take it iff. Unless the L/U has been neglected the prop should slide right off. IF the thing has been left in the water for a long period of time or has been neglected for years it can get stuck on the shaft. Then a puller is necessary if it's impossible to get it off. I've never needed a puller and have changed plenty of props. I bought one of the plastic prop wrenches just this year to keep on the boat but I've never had one before. 1 1/16" deep socket works just fine. Block of wood like you mentioned is my stop and don't forget to grease the shaft when you reassemble.

 

[Maxximus]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

Sounds good, thank you. I'm guessing that when i put the new prop on I just use the pliers to bend the tabbed washer back into it's original form? Do I need to worry about getting a new washer for every install or does it last for at least a few removals/installs of props? I'm also guessing this washer is the spider washer I've seen mentioned on other threads - looks like a normal washer with a bunch of notches taken out of it (poorly drawn picture below, lol, if the formatting works)

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[glengold]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

that looks like a buck tooth dog to me!!!! LOL!!!

 

[DACEAC]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

I bought one of those plastic prop wrenches as well. works pretty well but you cant torque to much with it, will slip. Also the plastic wrench does not float. LOl, mine is currently laying on the bottom of lake erie in 32 feet of water. ( hit a floating tree limb).

 

[calboats]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

Not to brag about stupidity, but I used my vintage Williams 1/2" ratchet with the 1 1/16 deep socket I got from my dad -- fired it up and watched it slip into the water too. Plastic wrenches are not very stout, sooo get one cheap deep prop size socket, a spark plug socket to fit, and a plain old straight bar handle.

The tab washer will work a couple times, another spare I'd carry just in case, like spark plugs -- dropping those over water will spoil the day too.

Have Fun, --- Cal

 

[cribber]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

I use a crescent wrench to loosen the prop nut and slide the prop off. I do this about once a month to ensure there is no fishing line or other stuff wrapped around the prop shaft. I clean the old grease off and replace it with fresh and tighten everything back up. Sometimes the prop gets hung on the thrust washer and I convince to come off using light taps from a rubber mallet.

 

[calboats]

Re: are prop wrench and/or prop puller necessary to change my prop?

Thanks, I tend to lube couple times a seaso, checking for line waaay more often is a good idea, will keep that in mind !!

Best Wishes, Cal