Should I try to straighten tweaked aluminum prop?

[Mark42]

The aluminum prop on my 40 Evinrude (12.5 x13)shows minor bends on the ends of the prop blades. It's an OMC prop. Should I try to straighten them out? If so, how? I am afraid that hammering on it with sledge will crack off the ends of the blades. Any suggestions would be helpful.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mark.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Should I try to straighten tweaked aluminum prop?

It depends on how badly bent it is. Some of these aluminum props can be quite brittle. The only thing with trying to eyeball a prop, your only guessing that you have it right. A bent, or out of balance prop can give an engine quite a shaking, resulting in loose bolts, and other fasteners. I don't like to see a damaged prop on any engine. I would try to straiten it, and use it only as a spare to get me home.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Should I try to straighten tweaked aluminum prop?

Mark....you can usually file down some minor knicks and things on a prop but if it bent to the point where you were gonna beat on it with a hammer, your best bet is to go to a prop shop and let them do it, beacuse they can balance it and do it right. Like R Johnson said an out of balance prop can cause problems, like a driveshaft on a car. Good Luck.

 

[alcan]

Re: Should I try to straighten tweaked aluminum prop?

Hi Mark<br /> I agree with the others. Don't even horse around with it. Send it in to the prop shop. They will weld up anything broken, strighten out what needs it. They check for cracks, ballance and test the hub. They bead blast and repaint also. You get back what looks like a brand new prop. Most of the time if they can't make the repairs for a very reasonable price they can cut you the best deal on a new prop. I have taken a prop in and they will say $40. for the repair or $50. for brand new. Remember that a lot of times a small ding you can see is an indecation of a bent blade or a crack that you can not see.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Should I try to straighten tweaked aluminum prop?

Thank you for all the insightful replies. The prop I refer to in my posts is the one that came as a free-be with the rebuilt o/b. I had to ask and ask and ask and ask to get one shipped. It was not their policy to include props with o/b's, but the sale pitch included one. Go figure.<br /><br />I do not know what pitch my Niagara will need, so anything is a starting point. I asked for a 13 pitch and got a 12.5 x 13. So I have a starting/reference point. After the tach and speedo are installed in the spring, I should be able to determine what better suits my needs. I found that props on iboats.com are cheaper than the most popular supply houses. After this baby is all wet and broken in, I will probably be ordering a new prop from iboats!<br /><br />PS, My son was born this morning 9:29am!!!. Boy. 8lbs 2oz, 20 inches. Mom and baby (Eric Bradly) are doing fine. Actually this is my wifes third baby, and things are way better than the average. No cuts, no stitches, no pain killers. God bless her and Eric. Got to get the boy some nautical toys. I have been since Friday morning at 5:30 am EST without sleep. So ignore any spelling, etc errors. <br /><br />Thanks, and good night.<br /><br />Mark.