hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

[mark_lybarger]

hopefully i've picked the right forum. we had just got our boat back from the shop from having the starter and flywheel replaced. took it out on the water and the kids were going kneeboarding. the boat got into some dirt, and it was running very sluggish after that. shaking and all. we pulled it out of the water and sure enough the prop looks bad. <br /><br />i've been reading just a bit on props now that it seems that i have to replace one. i have a merccruiser engine, 180 HP, on a genesis boat, 1994 20 ft I/O setup. it seems that steel is more durable than the aluminum. i may consider that this time. <br /><br />i haven't been able to find a guide for how to replace the prop. i see a large nut in the middle of the prop. do i just take that nut off then the prop slides off? and then slide the new one on, tighten the nut and off to the water again?<br /><br />also, the fin(correct term?) in front of the prop has some slight damage, but not much. i think it should survive a bit longer. does any nick in the fin require replacement? are these much more costly to replace?

 

[Sooner44]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

Yes, remove the lock nut, washer and remove the prop. Under the prop you should find a large thrust washer that the prop sits on.<br />IF you go back with the same prop, you will be able to use the existing thrust washer, just place the prop on the shaft and install washer and lock nut - don't forget the cotter pin !<br /><br />If you purchase a new / different brand prop, make sure you get the thrust washer that mates with the new prop. Replacing the prop is easy, dont worry about it. I suggest going with a Michigan Wheel, with insert bushing and new thrust washer, all this will come in the kit.<br />I just replaced mine with a new stainless steel Alpha XHS and I'm very pleased. 275.00 for all.<br />Aluminum wheel will run about 150.00.<br /><br />Good luck !

 

[mark_lybarger]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

well, i installed the prop just fine i think, but now the boat won't start at all. there shouldn't be anything related to starting the boat with the prop should there? i had just gotten the boat back on thursday from having the starter and the flywheel replaced ($$$), drove it for an hour thursday, the a couple hours fri evening when the prop got chewed up, but it still started even after hitting the dirt. i may just take it back to the shop and ask them to have a lookse. ...

 

[Alumarine]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

Don't worry. Nothing you did changing the prop would effect starting.<br />Does it turn over?

 

[mark_lybarger]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

no, the engine isn't turning, the belts aren't moving. it's a similar grinding sound that we had before we had 1800$ work done to it. methinks perhaps the starter isn't engaging into the flywheel properly. <br /><br />it really sucks to get the family all rounded up, the toys all packed and everyone all excited for a sunday boating adventure. head to the super packed boat ramp, wait in line get the boat into the water and it doesn't start.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

Not sure what events lead you to replace the starter & flywheel, but perhaps your engine is hydrolocked? Pull the spark plugs & try turning it over. If it does turn over easily with no bad noises, I think you have a bigger problem than a prop!<br />Also, did your impact do damage to the drive gears, and now the drive is locked up?<br />And of course it's possible that the mechanic didn't shim the starter properly & it's not engaging the flywheel

 

[Scaaty]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

If you just got it back from the shop for a starter and flywheel, only had it out twice, and it won't start again, I would go back to whoever fixed it, and find out what gives.

 

[mark_lybarger]

Re: hit dirt, propeller nearly shredded

we replaced the starter/flywheel because it wouldn't start, we took it to the shop and they said the starter was loose, and the flywheel had gotten a bit ground up. they suggested replacing both then took about a month to get the work done.<br /><br />i'm not familiar with this hydrolocked term. did a bit googleing, seems it's what happens when water gets into the combustion chamber. i have no idea if this is the case or not.