Prop Damage?

[ineedacottage]

I was wondering how bad it is to run my motor (1990 90hp Johnson) with a prop that has a little chunk (1/8 - 1/4" x 1-1/2") out of it...?

I did not notice a performance change after the prop hit something...

This happened a few years ago and I was told at the time that if I did not notice a performance change not to worry about it...is this sound advice or could I slowly be damaging something by running it this way...?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Prop Damage?

I would be concerned with an unbalanced prop causing premature bearing wear and cavitation.

 

[Kevin W]

Re: Prop Damage?

IMO I would get it fixed or replace it or both and have a spare.

I am not a prop expert but they should be ballanced and if not bearing an seal damage could be a result at some point.

a prop shop could fix it easily.

 

[Nicky]

Re: Prop Damage?

I agree with the mates
Replace it or get a prop shop to rebuild and balance. still cheaper then getting a new one usually..
But if you do decide to get a new one, use as a Spare, which you can easily make a template of the other blades and mend with the Aluminum or steel patch putty's, not be perfectly balanced but for a spare I have done the same and has gotten me out of many a trouble... and beleive me it was at a lake named Stoney.. the name fits..
hope it somewhat helps.. has for me mate.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Prop Damage?

In addition, it is expensive and time-consuming to do a seal job on a V4. You are taking the risk that the imbalance will destroy the seal on the propeller shaft.​

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

OK...now you guys have me worried what type of damage I may have done running it this way for the past few years! I will change it ASAP, and repairing the current one for a spare is a good idea - I hope I can get a new one on there by the weekend.

Thanks for all your advice!

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

I forgot to ask...is there anything I need to know about changing the prop...or is it as straight forward as remove nut, slide off old prop, slide on new prop, install nut/pin and I am done...?

Thanks again for your help!

And props around here seem expensive - $200 for an aluminum!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Prop Damage?

Clean the shaft and grease it with Triple Guard or equivalent marine grease. Be sure to put the thrust bushing and the propeller nut spacer in place for the new propeller.

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

Clean the shaft and grease it with Triple Guard or equivalent marine grease. Be sure to put the thrust bushing and the propeller nut spacer in place for the new propeller.

Thanks. Is the thrust bushing and propeller nut spacer something that comes with a new prop or is it currently on there and I need to remember to put it back on in the correct order...?

Oh, and some places I called to for prices mentioned a hub system...are these good or should I avoid these...?

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Prop Damage?

The thrust bearings and spacers are not part of the prop so you need to move them over for the new prop.

My experience with hub system props was with Turning Point and was the worst propeller mistake ever for me. [If you like the concept, I will make you one hell of a deal on a once-used prop in perfect condition.]

I would recommend the OMC/BRP props or Michigan Wheel aftermarket if you want to stay with reasonably priced aluminum. Good prices on the Michigan Wheel here at iboats. Just get the number off the old prop, it should be on the hub.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/propfinder/?**********=732929138&*******=915534642​

 

[Nicky]

Re: Prop Damage?

I personaly wouldn't worry about the Hub system, Just get the new Prop.. Make sure to keep the bushing and nut from the old one, place them aside and remember the order they go in and install the new prop then enjoy Mate.
also remember either take the old prop in so they give you the same one or with the same pitch, this way you are safe.. last thing you want is to have wrong pitch for your motor. X-wife picked one up for me before and it was wrong pitch, man did the motor run like crap..

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

Thanks for the advice guys. I will stay away from the hub system. What sort of problems did you have with it ezeke?

 

[gejandsons]

Re: Prop Damage?

Be sure to use a stainless steel cotter pin to retain the nut. A standard steel one will rust away, then one day while underway you will throttle down & thw water will drag your prop off. Of course you won't know it until you crank up & it won't go forward or backward. When you raise the motor all you'll have is a naked shaft.

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

Be sure to use a stainless steel cotter pin to retain the nut. A standard steel one will rust away, then one day while underway you will throttle down & thw water will drag your prop off. Of course you won't know it until you crank up & it won't go forward or backward. When you raise the motor all you'll have is a naked shaft.

Ha! Yeah that would suck. I was just planning on using the existing one...

Thanks.

 

[rndn]

Re: Prop Damage?

Acheap investment for a new SS cotter pin. Metal fatigue on SS is a problem. It's not worth the potential problem, just replace it with the prop.

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

Acheap investment for a new SS cotter pin. Metal fatigue on SS is a problem. It's not worth the potential problem, just replace it with the prop.

Thanks for the tip! I was not aware of that.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Prop Damage?

The problem was performance. Lower top end and slower out of the hole with the same pitch that I had on the original OMC prop. There is no price advantage with them, so I think you might as well use a standard propeller.

 

[ineedacottage]

Re: Prop Damage?

The problem was performance. Lower top end and slower out of the hole with the same pitch that I had on the original OMC prop. There is no price advantage with them, so I think you might as well use a standard propeller.

So it sucked all around, eh?! Thanks for the information - I went with the standard 13-1/4 x 17 OMC Prop that a local dealer carried. Putting it on tonight and lookin' forward to tryin' her out on the weekend!

Thanks to everyone for the advice and information - it is greatly appreciated!