Cabela's Prop Question

[AguaSki]

A few months back I was in a Cabela's store and was going through their "Bargain Cave". While searching for nothing specific, I stumbled across a 13-1/4 x 19 stainless prop (C321219) that should fit my motor. I ended up getting the prop for under $100. With spring coming I decided to install my new prop, but I was disappointed to find that it is a close, but not perfect fit. The diameter of the housing is to big, so the prop will not slide all the way down the shaft to the thrust washer. The prop bangs into the lower unit before it is properly seated. To verify the prop matches I went back to Cabela's website (see link below) and sure enough, C321219 is for "All V-4 (Except '85 Loop Charged) & 3 Cylinder Outboards and OMC 400 Sterndrives" My motor is a 1978 140hp Johnson, so it should be a fit. I believe that Cabela's props are actually re-branded Stiletto's or Turbo's from Precision Propeller Industries. Anyone ever see this and have any ideas on how I can get the prop to fit?

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0001025011962a.shtml

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

What bangs into the gearcase? There is a stepped part on the prop at the gearcase end. The smaller part fits in side. If the larger part hits, the thrust washer is missing or is the wrong one.

If the prop slides on the shaft that means the prop is 13 spline, so that's the correct hub. If the prop was actually for an E/J V6 the prop would have 15 splines.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

The smaller stepped piece is what is banging into the gear case. It seems like I need the diameter of the housing to go down one more step to fit inside the gear case. I made sure when I bought the prop to count the splines, and it is a 13 spline prop. Also, the hub slides along the shaft splines nicely until it reaches approximately the last 1/2" which is when the prop hits the gear case.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

If the larger part hits, the thrust washer is missing or is the wrong one.

By chance is there a special thrust washer? Currently I am trying to use the same thrust washer I use with my Apollo prop.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

Does the larger or the smaller part of the prop hit the gearcase?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

A good machine shop can turn down the "step" IF there is enough metal on it, but being stainless, it's going to cost you. In reality your best bet would be to sell the prop and try to make back your investment, then buy another that fits. Next time, come prepared and know the diameter of your gearcase. Measure the prop before you buy.

I see the same thing with Force props: While the shaft size and splines for early force engines and Mercury produced force engines are the same, and the props look alike, the gearcase for Merc made ones is slightly larger. The step is also slightly greater in diameter (only about 1/8 inch) and the newer Force props will not fit older Force engines. They do exactly what your prop is doing: Hitting the gearcase.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

The splines on the Merc and Yamaha for the V6 and 4 cylinder are both 15 spline. On an E/J the V6 & V8 splines are the same 15 spline. An E/J V4 style gearcase has a 13 spline shaft. If the prop slides on the shaft at all, the splines are correct.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

Does the larger or the smaller part of the prop hit the gearcase?

The smaller part is hitting the gearcase. It looks like the smaller part needs to be about an 1/8 smaller than it is. I will see if I can get a pic. The splines line up great.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

What's the part number on the thrust washer?

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

The part number on the thrust washer is 991210. I am attaching two pics that show my issue. The first pic is my Apollo prop that seats perfectly against my gearcase. I am providing this pic to show how props normally fit onto my motor. The second pic is the Cabela's prop that is giving me issues. You can see in the second pic that the stepped portion of the prop is exposed rather than sliding into the gearcase. While I had both props off, I laid the gearcase ends against each other to see if I could feel a difference in size, and the Cabela's prop did feel larger in diameter.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

I told you the problem with that prop, but apparently you didn't believe me. No matter how much you want it to be the correct prop, it is not and will never be, no matter what the numbers say. Do you think that PERHAPS there was a reason Cabela could not sell it and put it in their bargain section?

I also told you your better option and although it seems unpleasant, it may be the way to go.

BUT: there seems to be plenty of aluminum on the gearcase. So why not just run the prop and let it wear into the case? ---Just kidding, that's not an option.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

Call Cabelas customer service and explain your problem. If they have it listed to fit your specific model then it should fit, but obviously, it doesn't from looking at the pics.

Seeing how you purchased it a "few" months ago could be problematic, but what do you have to loose at this point? I've returned a couple things to Cabelas and found them to be very customer oriented.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Cabela's Prop Question

I told you the problem with that prop, but apparently you didn't believe me. No matter how much you want it to be the correct prop, it is not and will never be, no matter what the numbers say. Do you think that PERHAPS there was a reason Cabela could not sell it and put it in their bargain section?

I also told you your better option and although it seems unpleasant, it may be the way to go.

BUT: there seems to be plenty of aluminum on the gearcase. So why not just run the prop and let it wear into the case? ---Just kidding, that's not an option.

I have not doubted you. I know the prop is not fitting, and I am not trying to force this to be the correct prop. My question from the beginning was "Anyone ever see this and have any ideas on how I can get the prop to fit?" I have access to an aerospace machine shop, and a 35 year career machinist that will allow me to do all kinds of creative things with this prop. The numbers I provided were in response to a question from Dhadley about my thrust washer. I am looking to determine all my options, and if this is a common problem. This will be good information to have before machining the prop. I am NOT looking for verification that I have the wrong prop.