Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

[Chris1956]

I was installing the prop on my 150HP Inline Merc. As I tightened the prop with a standard prop wrench, the thrust washer split in two pieces. Now, I'm not too strong, and didn't pull too hard on the wrench. What in the heck happened? Do they get brittle with age (or saltwater)?

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

Check to see there was nothing under the washer. Could it have been damaged prior to your tightening, did you examine it?

 

[timmathis]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

Have you ran this prop and thurst washer before?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

Joe and Tim, I have been using this thrust washer on the same motor, since at least 1980. I did not see anything on the propshaft, but I really didn't look. I would have thought that the thrust washer was strong enough to handle anything stuck in the reidual grease on the propshaft anyway.

 

[BF]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

any chance you had put it on backwards? maybe if the taper was the wrong way around, it'd load up funny, with all the force on one lip. (?)

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

It can happen, but make sure the shaft is clean and free of burrs.... A new one should be ok....

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

Also check to make sure the front edge of the prop that rests against the washer is ok....<br /><br />Forgot to mention that...

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

Even back to the 80's,I don't recall a thrust washer that wasn't stainless steel.Cannot imagine one cracking.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

That's a new one on me too.... just not your day.<br /><br />-W

 

[NBE]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

Did you eat your spinach today?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Cracked a Thrust Washer - How did I get so strong?

The Thrust washer was indeed stainless. It is possible I put it on backwards, no way to tell now. Prop and propshaft seemed OK. I will keep an eye on it for a while to see if the new thrust washer works properly.<br /><br />Oh yeah, I only like raw spinach, and haven't had any in a while.