Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

[07m109r]

When I pull out on the prop theres alot of play... seems like from the fully pulled "out" position to the fully pushed "in" position is quite noticeable.

The prop was replaced before I bought the boat.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

You don't say exactly what that "quite noticeable" measurement is. However, there should be just a slight bit of play there to prevent binding and to allow lubrication.... I've seen some at about 1/16" with no problems ever encountered. Some other member will need to come up with the exact measurement. However, if you're speaking of something like 1/8" or so.... then yes, I'd say that's too much.

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

theres more than 1/8" play,any ideas?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

Other than to say that something is either worn or missing... no. However, if the engine has been running in that condition with no problems being presented, it may last forever like that. But then again, if this engine is new to you... if it was new to me, I wouldn't chance it.

You don't say what the engine is.

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

Its an Evinrude 50hp E50becde

he had mentioned that the prop had been changed by a neighbour of his as he wasent mechanicly inclined. Ill take the prop ff and see if theres anything I can see. Maybe he forgot the washer

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

is the play in the prop shaft? or just in the prop? If it's just in the prop, then I would say that there is a washer missing, that goes under the prop. It seems that the picture came out too small, so here is a link to your gearcase assembly. You will see the prop and all the parts that go under it, to the prop shaft.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

Its an Evinrude 50hp E50becde - he had mentioned that the prop had been changed by a neighbour of his as he wasent mechanicly inclined. Ill take the prop ff and see if theres anything I can see. Maybe he forgot the washer

1986 50hp Evinrude - I assumed that you meant the propeller and propshaft as a unit. My reply pertained only to the propshaft movement. Is the propshaft also moving that much OR is it simply a case of the propeller sliding on the propshaft?

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

just sliding on the propshaft

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

just sliding on the propshaft

My guess is that the thick thrust washer/spacer is missing. Normal location is between the propeller and the lower unit.

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

Wow, thanks alot Joe/Zepher Youve been alot of help good things to know.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

You don't say if that thrust washer was missing or not... BUT if it was and the engine was put into forward gear, the propeller edge would dig right into the lower unit housing.

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

Can it be replaced with a normal washer? I understand it wont have the smaller diameter center, but is it imperitive that it does?

Will remove the prop in the morning to verify if its missing or not.

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

the previous owner mentioned that passed half throttle no speed was gained. Would explain why.... with the prop sliding back and forth im sure alot of power would be lost.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

the previous owner mentioned that passed half throttle no speed was gained. Would explain why.... with the prop sliding back and forth im sure alot of power would be lost.

No the prop would just move forward and chew up the end of the gearcase. Well, in theory, there might be exhaust gas escaping to cause slipage. In 1979 I changed someone prop for them and didn't realize the was a washer. it was stick to the old prop. After a few minutes running the engine was tilted up and the prop had went forward into the back of the gearcase and caused the metal to break off. When cleaned up and the washer installed there was a gap of about not quite a 1/4 inch between the prop and housing. It didn't seem too have a detrimental effect, cause we skied behind it the rest of the week

As for the OP question about propshaft play. Due to the spring load clutch dog, one might be able to push the shaft in a 1.4 inch of so and it would spring back, depending if the propshaft floats in relation to the front gear. On Mercs you can push the propshaft in. I can;t remember what my Evinrude did. I do remember a hard plastic washer/spacer between the prop and the propnut, without it the prop could slide back and forth about 1/8 inch after the nut was threaded all the way down.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

Can it be replaced with a normal washer? I understand it wont have the smaller diameter center, but is it imperitive that it does? Will remove the prop in the morning to verify if its missing or not.

No.... It must be the exact designed thrust washer for that 1986 50hp engine, model #E50BECDE.The part number of the thrust washer is #320305. Note... PM sent.

 

[07m109r]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

the thrust washer IS missing.

And yes theres a plastic geared washer between the prop and prop nut.

 

[bmtsr]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

yes I got a boat without the washer and this is what happens!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Goofy question, how much lateral play should there be on the prop?

the thrust washer IS missing.

This happens when someone is changing the propeller and isn't paying attention to what they're doing. The thrust washer is no doubt stuck in the replaced propeller. Did you get my PM?