Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

LazyCruiser · Sep 15, 2010

Hi.
If the UPS guy ever gets here I am going to take a shot at changing my prop today. The Clymer's book says that I will need a torch - GULP.

I have never used one, and don't really want to!
Do I need one to get the old prop off?
Mercruiser w/an Alpha 1 drive.

thanks for any assist.........

thumpar · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

I didn't need a torch to do mine.

LazyCruiser · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

That's encouraging!

EMC 1810SS · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

I have never used a torch to remove my prop! I am not even sure where I would apply heat that would help? Is it a british version and by torch they mean flashlight?

ingalp01 · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

No you shouldn't need a torch... It should simply be a matter of putting her in gear, bend up the tabs that are holding the old prop nut on, remove said prop nut, give the prop a good tug and it should slide right off the shaft.

Is it a modular prop?

I have replaced the bushings in several modular props and just put a new prop on my cabin cruiser. It's all pretty simple.

Brewman61 · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

My prop is the torque-flo, with a nice plastic insert. Not sure what heat would do to that- but I've never even been close to needing it- undo the nut and everything slides right off.

Be sure to grease the prop shaft when you reinstall.

jkust · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

Changing out a prop is about the easiest thing you can perform on your boat. The only special tool you need is a small section of 2x4 lumber to stop the prop from moving. If you don't have the large socket required for the prop nut, an adjustable wrench will work in a pinch. I can't see any call for a heat source to change a prop much less a torch. Of course you will want to relube the shaft as well. There are plenty of You Tube videos on how to change your prop if you've never done it before.

Bondo · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

The only special tool you need is a small section of 2x4 lumber to stop the prop from moving.

Ayuh,... You'll need a straight blade screwdriver,+ an 1, 1/16th" end wrench or socket....
You can just put it in gear to lock the shaft,... Save a tree, 'n all.....

Ohh,... And Grease,...
Grease the 'ell outa the propshaft, 'n the prop's splines.....

LazyCruiser · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

Ah, phew.
My Clymer's manual talks of heating the hub (a separate piece) and to be careful cuz the prop will just come flying off. Then using a hacksaw to get the center metal piece off & maybe heat again too?

My old Penta was really easy - one long allen bolt, unscrew the hub, off comes Mr Prop!

Thanks guys

-smiles-

Bondo · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

Ah, phew.
My Clymer's manual talks of heating the hub (a separate piece) and to be careful cuz the prop will just come flying off. Then using a hacksaw to get the center metal piece off & maybe heat again too?

Ayuh,.... That's how they come off if ya don't Grease the 'ell out of it.....

Gary H NC · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

Another good reason the Clymers manual is best used as knee pads while you are on your knees changing the prop.

rodbolt · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

and you can tell, no salt pond boaters.
yes I burn of 10-15 a year with oxy/acetylyne.
then ya gotta cut off the hub from the shaft, trick is not damaging the shaft.
however for most freshwater boats and saltwater boats that do maint as per the manual its simply remove the nut then the prop.

LazyCruiser · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

That's a funny one about using Clymer's to kneel on.......

Well, I am glad that I won't need a torch! This chick is only so brave

Never used one, and don't wanna.....

rodbolt · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

at 6"0 and 143 lbs they call me a special scarecrow.
I aint scared of fire

.
however you mis read some of your manual.
that section you read is only pertanent if the hub is stuck on the shaft.

191Seanymphstriper · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

Yes just undo the lock washer undo that bolt and if the prop dosent budge just get a 2x4 and give a light coiple of taps NOT SWINGING bangs on the shaft to send a little shock down the shaft to lossen it a bit. You should then be able to slide the prop off!

JustJason · Sep 15, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

rodbolt said:
at 6"0 and 143 lbs they call me a special scarecrow.

Damm Rodbolt... ya need to eat a sammich!!!

LazyCruiser · Sep 19, 2010

Re: Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

Hey guys, thank you all very much!
This turned out to be a piece of cake, only took about 25 mins and now my boat is running much smooooother!

The shaft has some play front to back but none side to side.

I REALLY appreciate the great advice you guys gave me.
Thanks soooo much......

-smiles-
Sarah

Do I need a TORCH to change my prop?

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