Merc Prop wont come off??

[judyw]

I am trying to replace the propeller on my 1972 Mercury 9.8. The prop seems to be stuck on from corrosion. Used a rubber hammer, rust cleaner ect to loosen it up. Anyone know if it is just "stuck" or is there some special tool to take this one off. I have a Johnson and the prop came right off after taking the pin out and a 82 merc 9.8 which came right off. Help me get this prop off so I can replace it. <br /><br />Thanks<br />Judy

 

[irishflies]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

Sounds like corrosion to me. Try spraying lubricating fluid on the shaft while the motor is trimmed up slightly. Let it sit for a while. Even better by some penetrating fluid.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

Stuck is stuck,usually.Upgrade to a steel hammer,then a sledge hammer.Still stuck,use a cut off tool,and cut it away.<br /><br />This is why we pull props when winterzing,and lube these splines.<br /><br />Some shops don't do this,or the motor owner didn't...<br /><br />So here you are.<br /><br />DHP

 

[judyw]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

Thanks for the info. Did all the lube on it, as much as possible. I can do the hammer then probably have someone cut it if that fails. I know about winterizing, but this motor was free, ran on 1 pull and i knew from the description of the previous owner it needed a $15 impeller replacement. Ha ha, its on me with a bent blade that wont come off. <br /><br />Thanks for the info!

 

[ronmold]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

This worked for me, get some 1/8" aircraft cable or a chain and make a tight "ring" around the base of the prop. Fasten it very securely with cable clamps etc. Make another cable loop from one side of the prop fastenend to the new "ring" to the other side of the prop "ring". Make this loop big enough to go over a 1 to 3 ton hydraulic bottle jack with the base of the jack resting on the loose propshaft nut and cable loop resting on the shaft of the jack. NOW you have some pulling power! You might need 2 people to hold it centered on the nut while pumping it up. The cable will cut into an aluminum prop's blades if it is real stubborn. Please use caution and wear safety glasses/gloves because there is alot of force generated here. Good luck

 

[dtherrien]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

try jb blaster on it , spray on a couple times a day...tap it with a hammer, and do it for about 3 days or so. I have had good luck with jb blaster on many items that were rusted and corroded.

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

Welcome to the club. I have a '69 9.8 and I've never been able to get the prop off either. I'll try some of these suggestions though, and see what happens. My motor could definately use a new prop.

 

[judyw]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

I had to have it cut off. It would not budge for anything after trying everything. Good luck with yours KI.

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

Thanks. Guess I'll go buy some new hacksaw blades.

 

[Tomxx7]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

Tilt the motor 90 degrees and place a 2x4 under two of the blades. Drive the prop shaft down and protect the threads as you do. I used Mystery Oil and removed my prop that was stuck 20 years. Good luck.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

look up my old post on this forum called something like "stuck prop adventure". Same situation as yours. My quick and dirty advice: don't beat the hell out of it -- risk of damage to internals is too great. Also don't waste a lot of time trying to get it off in tact. It will only cost you about $65 or so to replace it. So, just go ahead and carefully cut it off with a hand saw or a dremel tool cutting blade. It will be pretty quick and easy.

 

[judyw]

Re: Merc Prop wont come off??

As replied earlier in this post I had to have it cut off. I used a grinder I had in the garage. It worked very well with a thin wheel. It was not pretty for sure...but a couple splices here and there and it was half off. So I got the nuts (washers?), off and the rest of it was stuck too, haha, so I cut that as well. Bought a new prop on ebay for 29 bucks and sold the motor with an older alum boat i had. Of course motor ran great! So, if you have a stuck prop and used lubes,oils,penetrating oils for a day and it doesnt work, CUT IT OFF!