prop shaft loose? Mercury 80

[fishdog4449]

The prop on my '80 Mercury 80 can be pushed towards the bow about 1/8-1/4inch, then it springs back. The prop is a Quicksilver stainless 19p, the nut is on tight. Is there supposed to be that much play and would have anything to do with the engine "clunk" into gear more than normal?

 

[Laddies]

Re: prop shaft loose? Mercury 80

Thats the nature of the beast, the clunk is the weight of the S/S wheel.