Stuck Prop and Washer HELP !!!

[VStarod]

So, I have a '77 Tower of Power 1150 that is leaking oil between the prop and lower unit housing and I changed the lower unit oil and it was milky :facepalm:. I'm looking to replace the oil seals behind the prop but here's the issue ... I took off the prop nut and tabbed washer with no problem, but the splined washer in front of the prop won't budge. I've tried PB blaster for a few days, cleaned all the corrosion off, smacked everything (with a degree of ease of course) to try and loosen it up and nothing ... am I missing something?? I just bought this boat (noob to boats, but not with other mechanics) so I have no clue about the maintance that was done before ... like greasing the shaft ... Thanks, and HELP !!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Stuck Prop and Washer HELP !!!

Well, it sounds like the PO didn't grease the shaft often enough. Tilt the motor up and give it time to absorb some PB blaster sprayed around the brass hub/propshaft joint, via gravity feed. Then stick a 2X4 between the gearcase and the prop blade and gently pry a bit. Try all three prop blades, before you give up. You can use the 2X4 on it's end, until it is about to break w/o damaging the gearcase

If that doesn't get it off, try a puller. and some eyebolts that can grab the prop blades.

Final try would be to cut the prop husing off, remove the rubber hub and split the brass prop hub.

 

[merc850]

Re: Stuck Prop and Washer HELP !!!

You could apply heat to the washer (brass, right?) then tap it around the perimeter. It should expand enough to loosen.

Here's the lube chart to help stop that from happening again.

 

[VStarod]

Re: Stuck Prop and Washer HELP !!!

Thanks for the lube chart, that definately helps ... well, I'll try the 2x4 tonight ... the motor's been up this week and been spraying it a few times a day along with smacking it ... fingers crossed that I don't have to cut this prop ... it's in great shape and it's SS ... fingers crossed !! Thanks guys, I appreciate it !!

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Stuck Prop and Washer HELP !!!

This is my third attemp, I'm on my laptop and keep touching the pad,loosing everything and have to start over. Grrrr

When you run out of patience and time, get the torch with a rosebud. You want a LOT of heat with a quickness.

Lay out a piece of sheet metal or even just aluminum foil, NOT cardboard or anything flammable. 2 X 2 foot is fine.

Hang a loop of heavy chain on a couple of the blades cause when the rubber hub gets hot enough to melt, (it will be flaming) the prop can blow off the hub like a cannonshot.

Do NOT be in its path!

Heat the hub all aroun at the base of each blade, continue until it 'Pops' and comes off.

You will have a flaming, dripping, firery mess, smoking and stinking up the place. Put it out with a CO2 extinguisher or a fine mist of water.

Walk away and let it cool.

Once cooled, carve the rubber off one side then use a chisel or air hammer to split the brass.

Slide the hub off, clean the splines with a wire brush.

Take your prop to a prop shop and have a new hub pressed in.

Once finished with your gearcase repairs, coat the splined shaft with grease and reinstall your prop.

Remove, clean and regrease the splined shaft at least annually.