Solas 4 blade install issues.

[eastcoasthd]

I finally got around to installing a Solas 4 blade prop (1413-125-19) on my 2008 Merc 90 ELPTO, ran into a couple of fitment issues.

1. The OEM 21P QuickSilver prop has a bevel on the backside to accommodate the bevel on the prop shaft, The Solas does not?

2. The Solas prop would contact the lower unit housing, i.e. the prop housing would go too deeply into the lower unit.

Standing the two props on their face, side by side, the Solas is apprx. 1 inch taller overall. The OEM prop's hub is recessed 1/4 in. from the rear prop opening. The Solas hub is recessed 3/4 in. from the rear prop opening (allowing it to go to deeply into the lower unit causing interference). Is there a spacer/thrust washer available for this issue? The OEM uses no spacer / washer, or at least not installed in my application.

I called IBoats where the prop was purchased and verified the part #. Solas has no customer service phone# that I could call, only e-mail.

Any thoughts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

Ayuh,... It sounds like the new prop needs a thrust washer to mount properly...

 

[Riegfrghtl]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

I purchased a solas lexor ss prop for my mercruiser sterndrive. If I used a mercruiser thrust washer the solas prop would not allow the castle washer to catch the splines on the end of the prop shaft. I had to order a solas thrust washer ( #metw) from I-boats and that solved the problem. May have to do the same for your outboard.

 

[eastcoasthd]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

Ayuh,... It sounds like the new prop needs a thrust washer to mount properly...

Thanks, pretty much what I thought.

I purchased a solas lexor ss prop for my mercruiser sterndrive. If I used a mercruiser thrust washer the solas prop would not allow the castle washer to catch the splines on the end of the prop shaft. I had to order a solas thrust washer ( #metw) from I-boats and that solved the problem. May have to do the same for your outboard.

I will give iboats a call and see, the CS rep. never mentioned that I may need this part when I called to verify the part #

 

[Bobnfl]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

I am running a 90 mercury also and yes you need a thrust washer behind the prop. I have changed the prop twice and have always used a thrust washer. let me know how the 4 blade prop works out for you, I am thinking about getting one. I am currently running a 22p prop on my 750 nitro.

Good Luck Bob

 

[eastcoasthd]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

I am running a 90 mercury also and yes you need a thrust washer behind the prop. I have changed the prop twice and have always used a thrust washer. let me know how the 4 blade prop works out for you, I am thinking about getting one. I am currently running a 22p prop on my 750 nitro.

Good Luck Bob

Will do Bob.

I'm pretty sure the thrust washer is stuck to the back of the OEM prop. My brother and I were attempting to change out props at the boat ramp when he informed me there was a fitment prob. After reviewing some pics of the prop (which I will post later along with before / after test results) it seems to be the case. Later this eve, I'll remove the prop to confirm :redface:

 

[1kruzer1]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

Be careful about using the old thrust washer. See my note below from an earlier post. If the new prop and hub didn't come with a new washer, then the old one may be correct. Just something to be aware of.

"The prop shaft where the washer sits is tapered, and so is the mating center of the washer. Manufacturers can control the exact position of the washer on the shaft by adjusting the diameter of the center hole by a few thousndths of an inch. Even though the old washer is the same thickness as the new one, it may not be sitting in the correct position on the shaft for the new Solas prop".

 

[eastcoasthd]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

Be careful about using the old thrust washer. See my note below from an earlier post. If the new prop and hub didn't come with a new washer, then the old one may be correct. Just something to be aware of.

"The prop shaft where the washer sits is tapered, and so is the mating center of the washer. Manufacturers can control the exact position of the washer on the shaft by adjusting the diameter of the center hole by a few thousndths of an inch. Even though the old washer is the same thickness as the new one, it may not be sitting in the correct position on the shaft for the new Solas prop".

Thanks kruzer, I'll keep that in mind. Funny thing is the customer service rep @ iboats never mentioned possible thrust washer variances nor did she know that I could not contact Solas via phone. I'm awaiting a response from Solas via e-mail, regarding my issue.

 

[1kruzer1]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

Thousands of aftermarket parts, thousands of models of motors, hundreds of manufacturers and manufacturer reps. My experience has been the folks at iBoats do an excellent job supporting their customers on post-sale issues. I think this is just a case of it being impossible for one customer support person to know everything about everything they sell. That's where this forum can help.

 

[eastcoasthd]

Re: Solas 4 blade install issues.

Just to update, I took a closer look at the prop and determined the thrust washer was in fact stuck to the back of the prop hub. A couple swift whacks with a hammer and drift and out she came. In this application the prop has a recces to accept the washer it fit very tight and required some persuasion to remove. The Solas prop along with the thrust washer seem to work just fine, no interference issues. All is well and I can continue with my 4 blade testing. Thanks for the help!

In this pic the washer is flipped upside down. You can see how they fit together.