prop continues to loosen up on shaft

[Mwitthuhn]

All, I am and have been having problems with my prop loosening up. I am running a Mercury 150 4S with a Mercury Enertia SS 3 blade prop, 1" shaft, Merc Flo Torq SSR hub kit. The factory said 1/8" pull out is okay. However I also get 1/8 side to side play after running it a bit and shifting several times in and out of gear. It has been looked at by three different shops and even a factory tech. One shop recommended using a racing hub which I am dead set against using because if I were to hit something with that prop it would destroy the lower unit. I know the tech spec on that hub is 100 ftlbs per factory. I am wondering if anyone out there is having the same issues. The boat I am running it on is a 18' Tracker Targa. It is what comes on it from the factory.

 

[racerone]

Using the correct thrust washer ?-----Checked gear oil ?----The 1/8th side play is a concern.

 

[StewartL]

That much play isn’t normal even if Mercury says 1/8" pullout is fine, side-to-side movement suggests something’s off. Double-check the hub kit installation flange, splines, and thrust washer. Some guys have fixed similar issues by switching to the Flo-Torq IV hub not racing for better grip. Also, make sure your prop nut is torqued to spec 100 ft-lbs with blue Loctite. If it keeps happening, push Mercury harder could be a bad hub or prop fit.

 

[cyclops222]

Hill Billy factory tech and locals. Common sense definite problem !!
There should never be any SLOP in any direction !!
Should be slightly difficult to slide on the prop. It is that tight on the spline tolerances.

 

[dingbat]

Are you sure the hub is fully seated?
Using the supplied locking nut/ tab washers?

When I installed an Enertia on my boat, the specific factory torque wouldn't seat the hub. Used the press at work to seat the hub.

 

[cyclops222]

Dingbat
How the heck can you remove that prop in a desolate area of boating ? A spare is useless. I jump into the shallow water and change the prop in about 3 minutes.

 

[dingbat]

Dingbat
How the heck can you remove that prop in a desolate area of boating ? A spare is useless. I jump into the shallow water and change the prop in about 3 minutes.

Remove the prop nut like everyone else…..

No need to remove the insert from the hub to change a prop

 

[cyclops222]

I have different prop company props. So I slide the entire prop and hub off as 1 piece.

 

[Jeff J]

Interesting… my 150 manual says prop nut torque is 55 lbs-ft with no mention of loctite.

Edit: my manuals don’t mention SSR.

 

[cyclops222]

The 55 pouns is the made less by turning the nut LOOSER . To fold the tabs of the Lock washer against the nut flat edges.

 

[Jeff J]

Where is that written in the manuals or am I not comprehending what you typed? Never heard of torquing while loosening which is how I read your post.

Tabs have always folded just fine for me at 55. Some motors call for a low torque around 40 not to exceed 90 while attempting to insert a cotter pin.

 

[airshot]

Dingbat
How the heck can you remove that prop in a desolate area of boating ? A spare is useless. I jump into the shallow water and change the prop in about 3 minutes.

Have changed many props just leaning over the back. Always carry a couple extra prop nuts as they don't float !! Also have allowed others to come aboard my boat so they can change out theirs props when a problem arrises.