2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

[jrs_diesel]

I'm doing my preseason maintenance and am having a little trouble with my little 3.5. I have pulled the cotter pin and kinda expected the prop to slide off. The prop did not come off. Some gentle pulling and twisting has not done anything either.

How is this prop attached? And how do you pull it off?

Wish this thing was as easy as my 6 HP (cotter pin and castle nut).

Thanks in advance.

 

[pvanv]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

It's easier, actually. No nut involved at all. The large cotter engages a groove in the prop shaft. The prop is free to come off when that pin is out. If the shear pin is damaged, that could cause the prop to be slightly jammed. Just give a good tug and the prop should come off.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

Yep, cotter pin is out.

It feels stuck. I'll try pulling again. Now if that doesn't work, what's the next step if pulling by hand doesn't work, rubber mallet? I have the plastic prop, and I don't want to destroy it just to be sure I don't have any fishing line wrapped around the shaft.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

Mallet should be fine.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

Ok, now what? The prop is still stuck. I've tried pulling it by hand, and hitting it as close to the blade roots with the rubber mallet. The prop has not budged.

I'm afraid if I hit or pull it harder, I might snap a blade off (it's the plastic prop). What should I do next?

 

[pvanv]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

Assuming the prop shaft is not deformed, there are only 2 ways the prop could be stuck on the shaft: Either the shear pin is mangled, and jammed into the plastic of the prop, or the prop is deformed onto the shaft. Either way, there is a distinct probability that the prop is already toast. If it were in my shop, I would get more aggressive with the prop removal. In other words, have at it. If it breaks, a new one in plastic costs about $25-28 (depending on pitch); In aluminum, it's $72. Compared to $75 an hour shop labor, that would be the economical way to go. Just don't bend the prop shaft, which costs about $85, in the process.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

I got it off!!!

I used a wooden wedge and got it between the prop and gear case, and used the rubber mallet to get the prop off. The shear pin was broken in three pieces. The shaft was slightly corroded, but is straight. It did have some grass/seaweed wrapped around the shaft, but nothing cutting into the seal. No indication of any leak. The prop is fine.

I cleaned up the shaft, and I'm going to lightly grease it before the prop goes back on. I do have one more question. Is the shear pin (drive pin) supposed to be bronze or stainless steel? The one that came out was bronze, but I was under the impression that drive pins these days are stainless.

 

[pvanv]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

Early pins were brass. Easliy sheared (on the motors with gear shift) if the motor was running too fast and slammed into gear. New pins are soft stainless, which is soft enough, but a bit tougher for better durability. Either will work. If you happen to have old ones on the shelf, they are OK.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

This thing must have had a prop strike in the past then (before I got it). Mine is the forward only model.

What is the dimensions for the pin? My parts list does not give me the size of the pin.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

It's a part number rather than a size(even though it obviously is a size). Any Mercury, Nissan or Tohatsu dealer has them under the part number.

 

[pvanv]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

That would be part number 309-64126-0, which is 4mm diameter by 24mm length. Order the correct part by number; Don't substitute a brand X piece, which may not have the correct shear strength. "Too soft" will shear when it doesn't need to; "Too tough" won't shear before the drive line takes too much impact, and something expensive breaks.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 2002 Nissan 3.5A (2 stroke) prop removal?

Thank both of you guys. I certainly appreciate the advice. I'll be sure and get the right parts.

This little 3.5 has been rock solid otherwise. I'd hate to kill a lower unit from wrong parts and a prop strike.

Thanks again