Hard spot when turning prop

[bluewaterboater]

Yesterday while out tubing we stopped and when we started again one of the ropes got caught in the prop. When I put it in gear the boat stalled, not realizing what had happened I restarted and put in gear again with the same result. We then realized what happened and had to lift the outdrive and peak the rope out of the prop. The rope was fine but now my prop has a hard spot in it when turning. I have an Alpha 1 drive on a 4.3l efi engine. 1:81 with a stainless prop. I took off the prop today and it is fine, the shaft does not appear to have a bend in it and my plastic shaft insert is fine as well. The boat still performs fine and there is no real vibration. When it is sitting still without the gear engaged it does appear to vibrate a bit and make some noise (i could be hearing things though since I'm paranoid now...) The tough spot seemed really bad at first but now it is more minor.
What might be causing the tough spot in the turning? Could I have bent an internal shaft? would the gears be bent?

 

[gm280]

Odd, but interesting thread. If there is absolutely no rope tangled in the prop or prop shaft (or seal or bearing), I can't see what would be causing your tough spot. If you try to turn the prop while it is in gear, I could see that having a tight spot, but not so much in neutral. And I can't help but think there isn't anyway you could have bent a prop shaft, especially without the rope being ripped apart. So I don't see anything that could cause that tight spot myself... JMHO!

 

[bruceb58]

Take the prop off and look carefully at the bearing carrier where the prop shaft enters it to see if you caused any cracks. I would also be pulling the gear oil drain plug to see if any water has entered your gear case. It's possible that you bent the prop shaft and the binding is the prop shaft against the seal.

This is all a worst case scenario but worthwhile checking.

 

[Rick Stephens]

After the inspections recommended, if you don't find anything, I'd sure run it a bit on the muffs and see if anything gets hot before putting back in the water.

 

[Bondo]

the shaft does not appear to have a bend in it

Ayuh,.... Is this a casual observation, or did ya hold a secure point near the end of the shaft, 'n turn it, lookin' for deviation,..??

I think the limit is .050" which ain't much to see without a close set-point to see it,....