Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

[daman4469]

I own a 1988 Bayliner Capri with a 1993 Evinrude SPL 88 outboard. I had the boat out this weekend skiing and tubing, and it worked awesome.

The tranny engaged perfectly, and it pulled perfectly, no problems. When I got home, I gave my boat the once/twice over. I noticed that, when I grab the prop and move it side to side, there is a very slight movement, as well as in and out. I am talking 1mm or less. Is this a normal occurence, or is it a sign that the lower unit may need some bearings in the near future? I am mechanically inclined, but not sure what the specs are for a boat motor. My guess is that this may be a problem in the future. Anybody know for sure?

 

[film495]

Re: Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

I have a little 3hp and the propeller has more play than that and it isn't missing any parts, and has been like that for 20 years and has not become a bigger problem. Is it the shaft moving or the blade moving on the shaft? Mine is the propeller wiggling on the shaft, if the shaft has movement - I'd think twice before running it much and try to figure it out.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

Remove prop and see if the play is in the shaft. If shaft then you have issues, if prop on shaft then you are o. k.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

It is not OK to have the propeller have play on the shaft. It is supposed to be held in place by a thrust bushing and thrust washer and the propeller nut torqued to 120 inch pounds. Read your service manual, page 6-6.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

It is not OK to have the propeller have play on the shaft. It is supposed to be held in place by a thrust bushing and thrust washer and the propeller nut torqued to 120 inch pounds. Read your service manual, page 6-6.

Agreed- think about it, 3 knife like objects spinning from 3,000 - 5,000 rpms with a little wobble

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

It is not OK to have the propeller have play on the shaft. It is supposed to be held in place by a thrust bushing and thrust washer and the propeller nut torqued to 120 inch pounds. Read your service manual, page 6-6.

You are absolutely correct. I worded it very badly. I was referring to fractional play on the splines which has to be there otherwise we would all be beating the prop on and off if absolute size for size.

 

[daman4469]

Re: Slight Prop 'wobble'....normal?

Thanks guys.

I made an appointment at my local shop to have the lower unit checked. They say it is probably shaft bearings, not a total lower unit rebuild (WHEW!)

Thanks again!