I just picked up a nice running 1977 Mercury 402, its in great shape other than two issues. First, the prop is stuck on the shaft, it's in good shape and works fine on my boat, but I usually like to keep the splines lubed to prevent it from seizing.
Second, the wiring from the big plug on the side of the lower pan to the motor is shot, the rubber is gone and it's a mess of rotted wires and tape right now.
(I hardwired it direct for now but would like to put it back to original).
What is it with Mercury motors that makes the props seize on? I've owned many other motors, and every Mercury I've owned has come to me with a stuck prop, in most cases I cut the prop off bit by bit, but this prop is in good condition. For right now I soaked it with penetrating oil lubed up the washer and nut. I'll run it a while and retry it I guess. I'd just like to know that if I had to change a prop, I could do so on the water.
Any tricks out there to get one of these props off without total destruction?
Does anyone make a new wiring harness for these?
(Or am I just better off running it wired direct with no plug at the motor?)
Second, the wiring from the big plug on the side of the lower pan to the motor is shot, the rubber is gone and it's a mess of rotted wires and tape right now.
(I hardwired it direct for now but would like to put it back to original).
What is it with Mercury motors that makes the props seize on? I've owned many other motors, and every Mercury I've owned has come to me with a stuck prop, in most cases I cut the prop off bit by bit, but this prop is in good condition. For right now I soaked it with penetrating oil lubed up the washer and nut. I'll run it a while and retry it I guess. I'd just like to know that if I had to change a prop, I could do so on the water.
Any tricks out there to get one of these props off without total destruction?
Does anyone make a new wiring harness for these?
(Or am I just better off running it wired direct with no plug at the motor?)