how tight does the prop nut need to be

[mortymolly]

I took my ss prop of and put on my alluminum fo,r testing purposes ,I needed to change to a prop hardware kit cause my ss prop nut was to long and the cotter pin hole was to far away from the hole in the shaft...so when I put the new prop on, the nutbottums out against the prop but the cotter pin will not go in unless I back off the nut...it is still touching the prop but it is loose enough to move a little with my fingers while the pin is installed...like I said, there is no back and forth play of prop on shaft, just a little play of shaft in gear case like on every outboard...so my question is, is it acceptable to run like this.....

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: how tight does the prop nut need to be

In salt water area's many old salts greese the shaft 2 or 3 times a year and leave about 1/8 inch of slack in the prop. It will move a bit when you change gears and never freeze on.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: how tight does the prop nut need to be

My Merc manual says 55 ft lbs....13+ dia props. Don't know about others.

Certainly a greased shaft, with a good waterproof grease like marine trailer wheel bearing grease (WW has it in store brand) is in order.

Mark