Thrust washer…..

[ScottinAZ]

When changing between props and prop brands is it usually necessary to change/replace the thrust washer, or are the props made to work with the “stock” washer unless otherwise noted?

Last outing we spun the prop, leaving some wear on the thrust washer. Now I’m slightly gunshy about the setup. Is there a spec for wear on the thrust washer, or as long as it contacts the thrust face in the prop without bottoming on the hub good enough?

 

[Chris1956]

A lot of thrust washers work with many props. Some work with a few. You should find out if your thrust washer is designed for your prop, and for any replacement prop you may get. I keep props and thrust washers as sets, although it is usually easy to tell if the thrust washer fits the prop.

Generally thrust washers only contact the hub of the prop. Spinning the prop usually doesn't wear them. Therefore, wear on the outside of the thrust washer, should not be an issue for this reason.

 

[Texasmark]

I wanted to change props and thought a visit to a boat dealer that has been serving the community for many years would be a good place to start.

I went in and there must have been 50 used props sitting on shelves along the wall. I shopped around and found what I thought I wanted. Since I wanted to run it and was at the water, I went outside to install it.

My thrust washer didn't fit the newly purchased prop. I went inside and told the counter guy and he handed me a box with another 50 count thrust washers of which I quit looking when I found the one that fit my prop.

Yes there are differences.

On my selection of the prop, perfect for what I wanted.

 

[Scott06]

When changing between props and prop brands is it usually necessary to change/replace the thrust washer, or are the props made to work with the “stock” washer unless otherwise noted?

Last outing we spun the prop, leaving some wear on the thrust washer. Now I’m slightly gunshy about the setup. Is there a spec for wear on the thrust washer, or as long as it contacts the thrust face in the prop without bottoming on the hub good enough?

Merc uses the Flotorq replaceable prop hub system and many prop manufactures offer compatible designs- like Michigan hweel is XHS prop hub...

You can probably dress up the thrust washer with file or emory cloth. You are correct as long as it has a good fit on thrust face of prop and doesn contact the drive housing you are good to go. Dont over think it too much.