1993 Merc 15HP , Prop is rubbing on lower unit. Ever see this?

Hey guys

Awhile back I got a 1993 Merc 15hp and I ran it about twice on a jon boat. Did awesome and had fun . I noticed yesterday that the prop rubbed on the lower unit and made a ring groove on the lower unit !!!

I noticed that the prop nut wasn't fully tight or seated against the prop, prop could move back and forth. I also checked the shaft and it 'sightly' move into the lower unit but really,really small amount. It pops back out when I stop pushing on it. I don't know if it the bearings or what in the lower unit Iv'e never dealt with something like this. Doesn't feel that the shaft has enough play to be this problem.

Check the pics and vid please and let me know what you think.

Pics
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/damianjp_photos/1993 Mercury 15HP/DSC01501.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/damianjp_photos/1993 Mercury 15HP/DSC01497.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/damianjp_photos/1993 Mercury 15HP/DSC01496.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/damianjp_photos/1993 Mercury 15HP/DSC01494.jpg

Video

http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/...ercury 15HP/?action=view&current=M4H01492.mp4

Hopefully its just the prop nut not tight and not a 'project' involving money.


Thank you guys !!
DamianJP

Re: 1993 Merc 15HP , Prop is rubbing on lower unit. Ever see this?

I'm not that familiar with Merc but it looks like an OMC when somebody has left the thrust washer off behind the prop.

Re: 1993 Merc 15HP , Prop is rubbing on lower unit. Ever see this?

The spacer in the 1st pic is on backwards. I would think that the rubber bushing in the prop has be destroyed allowing the prop to move the way it is. Looks like you may need a new prop....and a file.

Re: 1993 Merc 15HP , Prop is rubbing on lower unit. Ever see this?

Cool thank you guys!

Yup when I went back to the motor I messed with the spacer and turned it around and it looks light the way it should, meaning the space between the lower unit and prop.

Hopefully I can salvage the prop somehow. But thank you guys either way its better than buying and fixing a lower unit.

I like the 15HP alot very nice power to size ratio. And easy on the gas and only 70Lbs. Good kicker or a main for a Jon boat.

Thank you again !
DamianJP