Installing a new (reconditioned) prop on 1995 3.0L 135 HP Alpha I 2nd Gen

[Linc33]

I am pretty sure I have an Alpha One Generation 2 outdrive on my 1995 Mercruiser 3.0L 135 HP Rinker 180.

I got the boat with the 14x19 Mercury (part #48-78120) prop on it.

I purchased (at a garage sale, thanks to my wife for $20) a reconditioned Michigan Wheel prop 14 1/4 x 17 (part # 031024). From what I've been able to read online, I think this is a compatible prop and will give me a little better low end performance for water sports and a full boat.

Question:
When I tried putting it on this morning (my first time installing a prop, can you tell?) it didn't go on quite like the original. The problem is once I slide the new prop on, there in no portion of the splines exposed above the prop to engage the washer. The splines end up flush with the top of the prop.

This seems like a problem to me. Please help explain if this "spline/washer engagement" is necesarry, or if you think this propeller is NOT compatible with my outdrive.

Thanks a lot for any help.

-Linc

 

[Bondo]

Re: Installing a new (reconditioned) prop on 1995 3.0L 135 HP Alpha I 2nd Gen

Different Props use different Thrust Washers,......
That's the 1st Big Washer that goes on the Prop Shaft....

Some props have it "Built-In",..... Others don't.........

I gotta Guess that you're using the Wrong Parts, as the prop you have Should Fit,.....
With the Proper Hardware.......

 

[Linc33]

Re: Installing a new (reconditioned) prop on 1995 3.0L 135 HP Alpha I 2nd Gen

Thanks Bond-O. I took both props and all other mounting hardware to a local marine place. Guy told me I did have the correct thrust washer etc. and that sometimes you gotta really lean on it or use some "extra persuasion" to get it fully seated.

So I returned home and tried a little harder, still no luck. I then pulled the prop up about 2 inches from its' fully seated position and quickly rammed it home. That did the trick. Wasn't too much force required as it turned out. I removed the prop and repeated to be sure all was well.

Used the new prop all day on Sunday and it worked really well.

-Linc