Cover over propeller drive shaft?

[LarryKn]

I recently bought a used boat with a Force 120 (Mercury, 1997) motor. The drive shaft for the propeller does not have a cover over it...You can see the big nut on the shaft. Just wondering; Is there supposed to be a cover over this opening? I looked on-line for parts but couldn't find a cover or even an picture of the motor showing whether or not there is supposed to be a cover. If there is supposed to be a cover, please provide a link to where I can buy one.

 

[ThomW]

I am a bit confused on what you are talking about....Are you referring to the large nut that holds the prop on to the shaft?
What are you asking if it should be covered? Pictures of what you are speaking about may be helpful....

 

[LarryKn]

I am a bit confused on what you are talking about....Are you referring to the large nut that holds the prop on to the shaft?
What are you asking if it should be covered? Pictures of what you are speaking about may be helpful....

Yes, that is the nut I'm talking about.

 

[ThomW]

So what is it you are thinking should be covered? The prop shaft? the seals behind the prop? The end of the prop? Still a little unclear. There is no cover for the prop shaft or one behind the prop. The prop slides on the shaft with a thrust washer behind it. Then the nut holds prop on. Not reaaly anything else there....

 

[tg3690]

One of these? It slides on the end of the prop shaft and covers the prop nut. Not used on Force engines I believe.

 

[LarryKn]

So what is it you are thinking should be covered? The prop shaft? the seals behind the prop? The end of the prop? Still a little unclear. There is no cover for the prop shaft or one behind the prop. The prop slides on the shaft with a thrust washer behind it. Then the nut holds prop on. Not reaaly anything else there....

OK, that answers it. I just thought it looked a little unfinished with the prop shaft and nut visible. Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

OK, that answers it. I just thought it looked a little unfinished with the prop shaft and nut visible. Thanks!

95% of outboards have exposed prop nuts

 

[jerryjerry05]

That nose cone was on older models.
1986 and before.