68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
16
I'm having trouble getting a prop off my 1968 Evinrude 1.5
I'm just not understanding where or how to get the penetrating lube into the prop shaft.
I have the whole lower unit disassembled to install a water impeller, but so far, I'm stuck.
This prop is unlike any others I've worked on.
It completely covers the shaft.
In other words, the shaft goes into the prop, not through it.
Of course I'm worried that there's essentially no shear pin in this situation with the prop frozen on.
And I'm worried about breaking the prop--even with a big rubber mallet.
I have a brand new can of PB Blaster penetrant.
Just don't know where to aim it.
Thanks for any help you might offer.

rich
 

Johndhii

Seaman
Joined
Jul 5, 2010
Messages
66
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

I recommend getting a propane or mapp gas torch and heating the inner hub, not the actual prop. This should help free it up.

I'm having trouble getting a prop off my 1968 Evinrude 1.5
I'm just not understanding where or how to get the penetrating lube into the prop shaft.
I have the whole lower unit disassembled to install a water impeller, but so far, I'm stuck.
This prop is unlike any others I've worked on.
It completely covers the shaft.
In other words, the shaft goes into the prop, not through it.
Of course I'm worried that there's essentially no shear pin in this situation with the prop frozen on.
And I'm worried about breaking the prop--even with a big rubber mallet.
I have a brand new can of PB Blaster penetrant.
Just don't know where to aim it.
Thanks for any help you might offer.

rich
 
Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
16
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Thanks Johndhii.
Agreed.
Trouble is the hub is almost completely surrounded by propeller.
So there's almost nowhere to aim the torch that's not part of the prop.
I can't be the only one with this problem.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Messages
45,907
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

I would prefer a hair dryer or heat gun over the propane torch to heat the prop if it is really stuck. How does your Service Manual show the prop attached to the shaft??

Also, it may require more than the normal amount of patience.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,195
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Actually, in an effort to build that motor as low-cost (cheap) as possible, the propeller is one piece, with a blind hole. It is driven by a shear pin and held on by a cotter pin. Very simple, but a nightmare for corrosion. If they ever got used in salt water, the prop "grew" on and was virtually imposible to remove. Fresh water wasn't much better, it just takes longer.

If you want to persist with the PB Blaster technique, squirt it in the cotter pin hole. Good luck.

Your only real hope is to heat it pretty darned hot, and see if you can bump it loose. If you get it hot enough to remove it, you probably will destroy the prop shaft grease seal and have to replace it.

Other choices are to leave it alone (no shear pin protection) or cut it off. Of course that option presents a new problem---where to get a new one.
 
Last edited:

1946Zephyr

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5,556
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Soak the hell out of it, with PB Blaster for a few days. It beats destroying anything. If you can afford it. submerse the whole area in a coffee can full of the stuff.
 
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Messages
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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Thank you gentlemen.
All good advice.
And I agree with F_R that cheap and blind do seem to go together in the design of this little beast.
(Forgot to mention I bought it off CL for $25 yesterday. Couldn't pass it up. It turned and it was all there.)
Part of me is tempted to just leave the damned thing alone.
But another part of me wants to soak it down with PB Blaster.
Then later wail on it with a big rubber mallet.
Meanwhile, I'm going to chuck my Milwaukee drill in the vise and make believe I have a lathe and turn the rusty driveshaft and hit it with a file and progressively finer sandpaper to get the 43 years of rust off it.
Also taking suggestions about what to coat the newly cleaned shaft with before reinstalling it.
Thank you all again.
You continually give me hope for all kinds of projects.
 

wilde1j

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Messages
5,964
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

BRP Triple Guard grease works fine on other motors and may on this one.
 
Joined
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Messages
16
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Wilde,
Where do I get it?
Where do I put it?
How?
Thanks.
r
 

wilde1j

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Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Put on the shaft. Buy at any BRP Evinrude dealer.
 

boobie

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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

It's small enough so soak it it a bucket of ATF and Acetone mixed 50:50. Let it set for a few days or more. Patience,Patience,Patience.
 
Joined
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Messages
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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

ATF, as in Automatic Tranny Fluid?
With Acetone?
And a blast or two of PB Blaster?
I think somebody put the damned thing in salt water.
This will be fun.
Thank you all for your recommendations.
r
 

boobie

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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Yes!
 

elark7

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Messages
111
Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Ricardo- you may want to try a large gear puller. The pontoon I bought years ago sat in the lake year round. Got it home to start woking on and had the same problem. I used an 8" three prong puller and heat, after soaking in the recommened PB. Took using a breaker bar on my 1/2 inch rachet but I finally won the battle. I used 80 grit on a DA and progressed to 400 wet to smooth out the shaft, but had to buy a new prop. The old one was a mess inside and it was easier to find a new one the try to clean out the inside.
 

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wilde1j

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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Puller won't work on this one. The prop shaft is hidden inside the prop ... no place for the center bolt on the puller to work.
 

1946Zephyr

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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Is there a way to carefully pry it off with a pair of screw drivers?
 
Joined
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Messages
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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

Elark, Jim, Zeph, and everyone -- Thanks.
Correct.
There's no place for the center bolt of the gear puller.
I put modeling clay in one end of the cotter pin hole, and just keep filling up the other end with PB Blaster.
I may try Boobie's ATF idea if I get around to it.
Oh my.
I love these old motors, but they can try your patience.
 

boobie

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Re: 68 Evinrude Mate 1.5--Can't get frozen propeller off shaft

On the list I have Kroil is one step down from the atf/acetone mix. Got a can of it but never tried it.
 
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