In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

[TheInterestHunter]

I bought this '05 8hp Mercury engine used and don't know it's history. Looks like one of the blades hit something. I'm uneducated when it comes to prop condition. On a 1-to-10 scale, what kind of condition is this in? And what should I do about it? See this video where I clearly show the 3 blades:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e1GKTopUMU

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

Not missing any blades or bent like a wet noodle.... thats good!

Looks like she could stand a trip to the prop shop to get straitened out. Or you could get a new prop and keep her for a spare, just-in-case prop.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

All the blades are flattened out...no cup.
You'll loose a lot of thrust and it's more than likely un-balanced.

It's an inexpensive prop...replace it and save the old one for an emergency.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

Small hammer and some end grain 2 X 4 to beat against and you can straighten it out yourself. It's not in too bad condition, useable as is, but better if straightened.

If you do decide to straighten it yourself, go slowly. Those are cast blades and if you try to take out too much bend too quickly, pieces will chip out. Just keep lightly tapping and work the metal back. Then sand or file the edges so all three blades are even. Straightening the blades from their current condition is not too difficult, you just need some patience.

 

[glengold]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

I've seen much worse, does it vibrate real bad, like its out of balance?

If you don't already have a spare buy a new one and keep that one for emergency, or get it reworked, this place is the best for that: http://www.acbprop.com/

 

[mercury713]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

Just one blade that seems warped a bit. brass hammer with wood under... only a small bend.

 

[dan t.]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

Nothing a little hammer and dolly work wont fix

 

[TheInterestHunter]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

Additional info about prop and functionality: I don't notice any notable vibration during use. But then again, I haven't used anything other than that prop--so perhaps I don't know what no-vibration would feel like.

 

[mercury713]

Re: In what condition is this 8hp Prop?

After you unbend... use a flat file and clean up edge... give same amount of strokes on each blade so you don't unbalance.