Can't get prop off-

[Goose Hunter]

I have a 1976 OMC I/O 175 with a Ford 302. I can't seem to get the prop drive pin out. It appears to be loose, as I can move it side to side. I've tried pounding it with a punch and hammer, but it won't come out. I'm afraid to hit it too hard for fear of damaging the prop shaft. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Can't get prop off-

I thought it was a cotter key not a pin. If it is a cotter key, cut the loop in half and pull it out 1/2 at a time. That electric shift has a little nose cone on it, doesn't it? Be sure to grease the splines when you put the prop back on.

 

[skicat]

Re: Can't get prop off-

I had the same problem many years ago. I never took the prop off to grease the shaft. When I suffered prop damage and needed it off it would not budge. Here is what I did. Removed cotter key and nose cone. Drilled out drive pin (shear pin). Used gear puller to remove prop. Have always greased prop shafts yearly after that and never had a problem again.

 

[Goose Hunter]

Re: Can't get prop off-

Thanks for the replies. Sorry it took so long for me to respond back, but I've been busy-just got on web site now. <br /><br />Skicat-I think you have solved my problem. I'll try to drill out the pin. That's quite a large pin. I hope it's soft enough to drill. It appears to be steel and not brass, like shear pins used to be. Don't know if that really is a shear pin. I think that the prop hub is rubberized and that's what breaks loose instead of the pin shearing. I may be wrong-guess I'm more familliar with outboard props.<br /><br />Thanks again for the replies.<br /><br />Joe-