Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

[marktwainsonic]

I am replacing my propeller like for like (4.3 Mercruiser) due to chips and dings.

It has a "tab" lockwasher.

In bending up the tabs, the ring around the outside of the prop housing split! I was using it (I admit) for leverage.

After cursing myself for inexperience, I must admit I don't know how else I would have bent those tabs up. I did some research and apparently they just bend up "with a screwdriver". Since the nut itself seems to be sloped, I can't wait to hear the proper way to do this without cracking the prop.

Two other questions .
Is the prop good for anything anymore?
Any other pitfalls I should avoid?

Thanks much!

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

ILL take a stab at this one.......

Prop shop maybe able to fixx the prop!

Small needle nose pliers to start bending the tab up... then take a pair of channel locks on each side of the nut to bend the tabs to the nut.
Small screw driver to start the tab bend... then the channel locks.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

If you are talking about the flare on the rear of an alum prop, back when OMC had the SST and other props with the cone that stuck out from the outer prop hub about half an inch, and deflected water into the exhaust stream rather than out like Merc does, you saw a lot of boats without them. In short, get a hammer and knock it off. If you don't have ventilation problems fine. If you do, spend a hundred bucks and get a new prop from here.

There is nothing magic about the SS locking tab. You start with all 6 fingers straight out. You start running the nut down and catch the locking ring in the hex of the nut and let it follow the nut as it gets closer to the prop. You continue till you get your 55 ft-lbs or whatever your spec is. Once you get the torque, continue till the first three line up with slots and stop turning.

Take a hammer and screwdriver or punch and tap the ones that line up into the slots in the pre formed locking ring.

A pair of needle nose pliers will get them out. Course if you have a SS prop you can use a screwdriver.

HTH,
Mark

 

[hedp]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Interesting. I have this one one of my props.

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Thanks!

 

[84EdH]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Maybe I am missing something? Isnt the correct way to unbend the tabs on the lockwasher by using the prop tool that has a hook to leverage against the center of the nut instead of the rim of the prop?

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Maybe I am missing something? Isnt the correct way to unbend the tabs on the lockwasher by using the prop tool that has a hook to leverage against the center of the nut instead of the rim of the prop?

That would be excellent. Got a link to such a tool?

 

[84EdH]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

iboats sells them, lots of places....search "prop tool" range 13 to 36 bucks.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Prop Wrenches - iboats

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Maybe I am missing something? Isnt the correct way to unbend the tabs on the lockwasher by using the prop tool that has a hook to leverage against the center of the nut instead of the rim of the prop?

That would be excellent. Got a link to such a tool?

Tab Washer Pliers 91-38277A2
Description: Bends the propeller tab
washer tangs off of tab nut on the MC-1,
R-MR, and Alpha One drive units.

 

[marktwainsonic]

Re: Can't wait to hear the answer to this one: Prop nut lockwasher

Fab. Thank you. BTW this project is complete.