Do I need a prop thrust washer for my '66 Johnson?

[beerkiller]

I've owned my '66 Johnson 33 HP for 35 years, and recently while looking at my parts manual, discovered that after all this time this motor is supposed to have the thrust washer. (#50 in the picture) My old service guy never said a thing about it, and there has never been a problem running without it, so what's the consensus; should I install one?

 

[jimmbo]

That washer is there so you would be able to remove the drive pin if the rubber hub slips and the prop shifts rearward.

 

[boobie]

I'd replace it. JMHO