Prop removal

[Wildlifedesigner]

I have a 1980 Merc 40. The prop will be coming off to replace, my Question is how would you go about removing a stubborn prop, I bet is has been on for 7+ years plus it was used in salt water. My main concern is cracking something other than the prop. Is there such a puller made to do this?. Thanks Bryan

 

[ronmold]

Re: Prop removal

This will sound wierd but it worked for me: I used a small hydralic bottle jack and set it on the propshaft bolt after screwing the nut flush with the top of threads with the motor tilted all the way up. I made a ring that went around the base of the prop out of 1/8" aircraft cable and fastened it with cable clamps. It was just a little bigger than the prop base diameter. I then made more loops that went from cable ring over the end of the jack and back to the cable ring. Then I just jacked it up and it broke loose. If yours is real tight use some penatrating oil for a day or so and also it might chew up the leading edges of the prop. Make sure you use 2-3 cable clamps and get them tight. This same setup also worked as a carrier hub puller to get the lower unit apart. It takes some time but is way cheaper than buying a $200 puller. Good Luck!

 

[shelbydriver]

Re: Prop removal

I saw a guy at the marina removing a stubborn prop. I may me more stuborn than you think. He had to use a air chissle and cut a line through the middle of it then he started using a torch. He said he may have been lucky to save the prop shaft gulp.

 

[Just Jed]

Re: Prop removal

A good example why a regular maintenance schedule is a must.