stuck prop

Q

Quick3201

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
150
What is best way to get a stuck prop off a 1973 Chrysler 120hp engine. Been on there over 20 years, most in salt water.
 
Texasmark

Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
14,557
Re: stuck prop

Probably saw it off using several types of saws and possibly a Dremel tool and once you get to the bronze hub, maybe a grinder and then a chisel and hammer to separate the splines, being careful not to get too enthusiastic and ruin your rear seal or bend your prop shaft. Doubt that conventional removal techniques will work on what you have.

Just a Question: Is this the factory white alum prop with the reverse leading edge? Right where the blades roll back forward (just off the leading edge of the hub) do you have a lot of pits, maybe after 20 years, cavitation ate the alum completely away and you can see through the blades? I had a'71 85 3 cyl with what appeared to be the same lower unit as yours (maybe the gear ratio was different) similar looking props to the 105 and 120's at the dealer ships with the white conical prop nut, and although the prop looked really cool, it had bad cavitation problems right there in that area.

HTH,

Mark
 
Frank Acampora

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: stuck prop

If, after you remove the tailcone and thrust pin it is so corroded that even a prop puller won't budge it THEN: Drain the oil from the lower unit so you don't make a mess. Turn the prop so one of the bearing carrier allen head bolts shows between the blades. Remove it. Now turn the prop so the other bolt shows. Remove it. Bang on the prop at the back of the blades and pull out the prop, bearing carrier, reverse gear, drive shaft, and dog clutch assembly. Now mount the assembly in a press and press out the shaft.

Clean the splines and reassemble the lower unit. If the hub is beyond cleaning buy a newer prop from the auctions-- These props are no longer sold new at iboats or any other prop seller. Anti seize the splines and install the prop.

Yes, it is a little bit of a fuss, but will probably save a lot of time and possibly the prop and shaft.

Your other option is to search for a used lower unit--which will not be cheap.
 
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