Prop Slop

[sethjon]

Cobra outdrive. Use dthe boat yesrterday for a couple of hours and heard anoise from the outsrive. got home and pulled the prop which has about 1/16" of play. Any idea where that came from and how to fix it? I didn't remove the cotter pin because I don't think the nut will turn in enough to be able to get it back in the next opening.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop Slop

Ayuh,... I donno 'bout a Cobra, but that's normal on a Mercruiser...

Did ya check the oil for contamination,..??

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Prop Slop

Some play is normal.You know how to change the oil correctly?If not U can destroy the upper gear set.Sure the noise is in the drive?
Change the oil and check for metal shaving and chunks.If you can't find out the problem remove the top cover and check the gears.That needs to be tourqued when reinstalled.
Then take it to someone who can look into it.J

 

[sethjon]

Re: Prop Slop

Some play is normal.You know how to change the oil correctly?If not U can destroy the upper gear set.Sure the noise is in the drive?
Change the oil and check for metal shaving and chunks.If you can't find out the problem remove the top cover and check the gears.That needs to be tourqued when reinstalled.
Then take it to someone who can look into it.J

Its not a constant noise. Its a clunk. Thats why I checked the prop and found a tiny bit of play. Its as though it needs a shim. Last time I used it, maybe 8 weeks ago, it was ok. What could have changed? Thanks again for the response.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Prop Slop

I will, now that you mention it, but what does oil have to with it? Its not a constant noise as it might be with low oil. Its a clunk on take off. Thats why I checked the prop and found a little end play. About 8 weeks ago when last used it was fine.

 

[Don S]

Re: Prop Slop

but what does oil have to with it?

It not so much about the oil, but what is in the oil (metal particles, chunks) and what may or may not be on the magnet on the drain plug. Your problem may be caused by an old worn shift cable not allowing it to go all the way into gear, then the shift dogs jump every now and then, and who knows if something else is worn out.
Checking the oil is just the first step in troubleshooting drive problems.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Prop Slop

It not so much about the oil, but what is in the oil (metal particles, chunks) and what may or may not be on the magnet on the drain plug. Your problem may be caused by an old worn shift cable not allowing it to go all the way into gear, then the shift dogs jump every now and then, and who knows if something else is worn out.
Checking the oil is just the first step in troubleshooting drive problems.

Thanks Don. It never dawned on me about the cable. What is confusing to me is that in the middle of last summer I replaced the prop along with the spacer and there was no play. Could it happen that quickly?