Tohatsu Prop Movement

[Flytime]

Looking at a boat with a '93 Tohatsu M40D, 3C8, ran the motor with a flushing kit on it and -aside from running very rough - the prop seemed to "pulse" or "bounce" in and out on its shaft about a half inch. This while the motor is running in neutral. It felt solidly mounted when I pulled on it after shutting the motor off.<br /><br />Big Problem?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu Prop Movement

Yep, it's a problem. It's either missing a spacer or the lower unit has a problem.

 

[Flytime]

Re: Tohatsu Prop Movement

Thanks Elvin<br />I doubt if it is a spacer.<br />Any guess on how big a problem ($), new lower leg, and shaft etc. Or is it a big anchor just waiting to be sunk?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu Prop Movement

That much play would indicate something has destroyed itself, but you need to pull the propshaft housing off to check. It's just two bolts and shouldn't be difficult for you to do. But, I would really go back and look at the spacers on the prop again first. The first one that goes on, the one between the prop and lower unit, is pretty large. It often gets stuck on the old prop when people change propellers and they do not realise it's missing.