1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

retrojeep

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 23, 2006
Messages
44
Morning,

I installed a new Quicksilver 10 3/8" x 12 1/2" propeller yesterday and gave
it a test drive. It ran perfect all afternoon. After heading back to the
dock on a 30 minute straight run at about 85% throttle ( 4800 rpms) we
stopped a couple of hundred yards short of the dock to organize and prepare
to dock. When I took off somewhat slowly my motor revved up with no forward
motion. I stopped right away and returned to a standstill at idle in
neutral. I tried again and it repeated itself once more (slipping after
initial start). There was a lot of seaweed and low tide goodies in the
water so I then put it in reverse and backed up pretty hard hopping it would
clear any weeds/sea greens from the prop.

I started up once again and it ran fine this time. I brought it to another
stop and then took off full bore and no slip once again. I did a couple
figure 8's and came back to a stop and did another hole shot. No problem.
Not wanting to push my luck further I headed in. It did feel different like
it wasn't grabbing to the level it was before, basically felt like I lost
15% or so in "traction", but no complete slip (though my heightened paranoia
was assuredly a factor).

We puttered to the dock with no issues idling along and doing a little
forwards/reverse while waiting our turn to disembark. After I had the boat
out of the water off and out of everyone's way (don't you wish everyone did
that) I inspected the prop for any strange damage etc. There was no signs
of seaweed or any fishing line etc.

When I first installed the propeller I paid close attention to the position
of the hub in relation to the propeller (though I could kick myself for not
marking the hub to prop). What was different about the Quicksilver
propeller from my other was that it had a 1/8" snap ring on the outside of
the splinned hub section that acted either as a stop when they pressed in
the hub or some sort of a safety so if your hub is shot your prop doesn't
fall off. None the less, there is now a gap on the hub about 3/8" where
before it was flush. So I can see that the propeller did in fact move back
on the hub.

Ultimately I guess what I am asking is there a seating in period with a new
prop will lock into a location and stay or maybe this prop sat on a shelf
for to many years and has deteriorated. My previous 12 1/2" pitch prop (I
also have a 11 1/2" that has had no issues) did the same basic thing as in
it moved all the way forward on the hub so far in fact as it finally ground
into the rear seal retaining setscrews (no damage to the lower end). So I
do know that they move. Now I'm paranoid that the new propeller is doing
the same exact thing and will eventually back into the lower end as well.
Since I have no way of knowing if the slippage I had was only fowling of the
propeller but I do know it did move on the hub I guess I'm paranoid about
this new prop.

Thoughts?
Thanks
retrojeep
 

Crownie2

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
378
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

I'm not familiar with your particular setup, but I really don't know how there could be a 3/8" gap if the prop was installed correctly.

You are on the right track thinking you need to mark the hub and prop to check for (rotational) movement.

Bob
 

retrojeep

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 23, 2006
Messages
44
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

Maybe I didn't explain the situation correctly. There are three main componets to my propeller. The inner brass splinned unit, rubber hub, and the outer propeller. The propeller actually moved towards the lower end of the motor about 3/8", yet the brass section didn't move. Basically, if you stuck a donut on your finger and moved it towards your hand, the finger stays in the same place but the donut moved inwards. The splinned brass section is dowl pinned in and does not move and it is stationary.
For some reason the propeller moved back or slipped on the rubber hub and moved.
 

cougar1985

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 7, 2005
Messages
1,023
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

just curious, does your lower unit have a large washer installed on the shaft first that prevents the prop from seating too far on?
 

Crownie2

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
378
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

Hmm, yes a thrust washer - that was one of my thoughts as well, but he says the prop moved BACK on the hub? :'(
 

Firestar

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 20, 2006
Messages
530
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

I think if a prop moves at all on its hub it's shot. Only a matter of time before it is a total POS that'll leave you stranded or cause some damage. If you just bought it and there are no signs of any impact, return it for an exchange or refund.
 

retrojeep

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 23, 2006
Messages
44
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

There isn't a thrust washer in front of my prop, though maybe it's needed? The schematics I have found for my motor doesn't call out a thrust washer, but it does make me wonder. There wasn't one when I got the boat, but you know how that is. Anyone have a Force 50 with a thrust washer?
I attached some photos of the previous prop and you can see how it moved down the hub and the back side of the prop ground on the shaft seal set screws.

hub1.jpg


hub2.jpg
 

Crownie2

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
378
Re: 1989 Force 50 Slipping Hub On New Quicksilver Prop

Ah - yes - it moved forward on the hub as one would expect. Not good.

Sorry I can't advise you re: a Quicksilver prop on a Force... But I do know that the Merc props I have used do need a thust washer.

I'd so what Firestar suggests and see what they say.

Bob
 
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