Minn Kota prop removal

[dipfortuna]

I have a 24# Minn Kota transom mount trolling motor from the early nineties. It is starting to run really slow and I think it is due to stuff wound around the shaft. I removed the plastic wing nut and am left with what appears to be an immobile flat head screw. After repeated tries at removing the screw with a screw driver, its starting to get chewed up and is not budging. Am I doing something wrong? Its a good motor which I can't afford to replace ( at least my wife will not authorize the purchase of a new one). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Minn Kota prop removal

That "screw" does not come out. It is the end of the shaft and just used to keep the shaft from turning if needed. The wing nut is all that needs to be removed.

 

[dipfortuna]

Re: Minn Kota prop removal

Thanks Commander Bhile! I feel kind of dumb now.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Minn Kota prop removal

No need to feel dumb. Many years ago I wondered what in the world is that screw for. And I'm sure there has been many others.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota prop removal

The reason that shaft is slotted is if the drive pin sheared, you could not hold the shaft to spin the nut or wing nut off. You simply use a screwdriver to hold the shaft when removing the nut. If the pin is not sheared, there is no problem since you can hold to prop.