1969 Mercruiser 160 prop removal

[motorcyclepilot]

The prop came off with a balancer puller and 3 pieces of chain. The rubber hub, though, is still stuck firmly to the splined output shaft. I don't think the prop is supposed to come off the rubber hub like that. I don't recall the props on my Alpha units looking like this one internally. The hubs were different, also, more of a slip fit.

Any suggestions on how to proceed, other than a knife and cutoff wheel/die grinder?

 

[achris]

...Any suggestions on how to proceed, other than a knife and cutoff wheel/die grinder?...

Nope, that's it.

What you have done is pulled the inner hub and rubber sleeve from the prop body. You are going to need a prop shop to put a new hub into the prop, or buy a new Flo-Torq II prop.

Chris.......

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Keepin' the prop shaft greased will prevent that problem in the future,....

 

[achris]

Ayuh,.... Keepin' the prop shaft greased will prevent that problem in the future,....

Wasn't going to go there.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Use some type of sharp instrument to remove the rubber component first, then a disk cutter to CAREFULLY slice down the yellow line and then use a small chisel or disposable screwdriver to split the sleeve.

 

[motorcyclepilot]

Thanks all. I think I already knew that was the way to go. Spoke to the two p/o's and the last time the prop was removed was in 2004. Seal kits are on the way for the upper and lower units, as well as new bellows and gimbal bearing, a few other odds & ends.

 

[motorcyclepilot]

No Title

Per advice here, commenced to cutting and grinding. Used a recip saw to cut two sides off the rubber. Managed to cut a two nice grooves most of the length with an air cutoff wheel, but used the smaller cutoff tool to get closer to the thrust washer at the fore end. tapped a cold chisel in the aft end of the slot and cracked it open like an egg. One half came right off, but the other was still captive by the splines. Managed to pry that half straight off with moderate leverage. The splines appeared completely dry, despite much penetrating oil applied a few days ago.

Thanks again.

 

[achris]

Nice job. I guess you won't need reminding to grease the prop shaft every 12 months anymore.