Mercruiser 140 Prop. Castle nut short of sliding on drive splines.

[black sheep]

I removed the props from my 1973 slickcraft SS 235 with twin mercruiser 140 motors and outdives. When I returned to install them on the drive shaft I installed the thrust washer, propeller, castle nut, lock washer and then the nut. I noticed the castle nut would not slide over the splines of the drive line. I tried to push it on further to gain as much space as possible but failed to do so. I do not remember if it was slid over the drive shaft splines or not when I removed the props. Can anyone tell me if it is suposed to be slid onto the splines of the drive shaft? The castle nut has teeth in the center that match the splines on the shaft.

 

[black sheep]

Re: Mercruiser 140 Prop. Castle nut short of sliding on drive splines.

I failed to mention that the props are alluminum and 4-3/4" 21pitch. The hub is a pressed into the prop not a hub kit type

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 140 Prop. Castle nut short of sliding on drive splines.

Ayuh,... The casle-lock is supposed to engage the spline,...
My guess is, you might have the Wrong thrust washer....

 

[black sheep]

Re: Mercruiser 140 Prop. Castle nut short of sliding on drive splines.

I installed two new vortex props with the hub assembly which included a new thrust washer and the props fits correctly now. The lock nut screws on the drive shaft more and the thrust washer is smaller than the one used on the regular michigan props that I removed. I replaced with a 14.5X19 and I am pleased with the performance and now it is in the manufactures recommendation for WOT.