Can I Use Existing Thrust Washer with New Prop?

[gidrac]

Hi all,<br /><br />I recently purchased a replacement prop from Michigan Wheel for my 1997 150 HP Evinrude engine. I'm having a hard time removing the existing thrust washer (part # 126870). I'm wondering if I can just leave it on and put the new Michigan prop on top of it. Could this be done? Any help greatly appreciated.<br /><br />EDIT:<br />This is the replacement prop I purchased - Vortex <br /><br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Bayrider]

Re: Can I Use Existing Thrust Washer with New Prop?

Hi Gidrac.If it was me, I would get the old thrust washer off and use the one that came with new prop.Make sure to grease the shaft before you fit the new washer and it will come off a lot easier next time

 

[moderator1]

Re: Can I Use Existing Thrust Washer with New Prop?

Moving to Johnson and Evinrude Repair questions.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Can I Use Existing Thrust Washer with New Prop?

No expert, but I think that the main function of a thrust washer is to provide clearance between the prop and the lower unit housing. If the old washer allows the prop to turn freely without rubbing on the housing...it is probably OK.<br /><br />That said, I would get the old one off "just because". The longer it is on there, the more difficult it will be to remove.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Can I Use Existing Thrust Washer with New Prop?

Get that old one off. If there is any mono behind it, you could be in for trouble. Use a large screw driver and pry it off. A few gentle taps will do the trick. Be sure to use marine grease on the entire shaft before you put it back together. Good luck.<br />Stalker

 

[onebohemian]

Re: Can I Use Existing Thrust Washer with New Prop?

Had a buddy with a mercury that he put a new aluminum prop on. He wasn't sure whether to use the old washer plus the new washer but when he looked at the set up he decided to use them both. Took the boat out and the motor would just race every now and then when he'd open it up. If he slowly accelerated, no problem. Turned out that because the design of the mating surface on the new prop was a little different than the old prop, the nut wasn't holding the new prop on tight. It felt tight when you grabbed it by hand and he tightened the nut very well, but when under load from the motor, the prop actual spun loosely on the shaft. By slowly accelerating, the prop would hold on the shaft. We took off the old washer and tightened it back up and it worked great. Lesson learned.