Prop Balance ??

[troyo]

How can I tell if my propr is unbalanced; has various nicks, etc., spins free with no binding, but to look at it, appears a little cockeyed

 

[Down South]

Re: Prop Balance ??

If it's out of balance you should be noticing vibration that wasn't there before.

 

[troyo]

Re: Prop Balance ??

a vibration while driving boat ? touching the engine? how noticeable is it ? The reason I ask, if you look at the prop from the side, and slowly turn it by hand, the space between backside of prop and the lower unit case has a 'gap' in it; i.e., most of it has about an 1/8", and at one point, it is around 1/4", almost looks like the prop isn't spinning perfectly

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop Balance ??

Prop may be bent take prop off spin shaft watch for wobble. If shaft seems straight put prop<br />on and spin if it seems to run out a little take it to a prop shop for a check. They can probably fix and tune up the blades at the same time.<br />Usually pretty reasonable.

 

[troyo]

Re: Prop Balance ??

If the shaft is bent, I assume that's bad. How bad is it ??

 

[cclemon]

Re: Prop Balance ??

Troyo<br /><br />I would think it is unlikely that the shaft is bent. You would have to hit something pretty hard, and I think you would know it. You don't need to pull the prop to check the shaft for bend.<br />Get stationary set it behind the motor use visegripps or a "C" clamp to clamp a piece of wire like a cloths hanger to it. Place the end of the wire at the end of the prop shaft. With it in neutral, engine not running turn the prop slowly.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Prop Balance ??

It definately sounds as if your prop has some damage. Now might be the right time to do the homework and get a new (most likely even better performance). Check for alu, composite and stainless once you've identified your needs.<br />Any good dealer will help you determine the proper size and pitch.<br /><br />Keep the old one as spare.

 

[rhett]

Re: Prop Balance ??

send it out to a good prop shop to get reconditioned. a lot cheaper than a new one, especially if its stainless.

 

[troyo]

Re: Prop Balance ??

Hey Oil Slick, I'm confused on the way to test the shaft with prop still on. Can you clarify this procedure for me ???

 

[troyo]

Re: Prop Balance ??

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it; How do I check the prop shaft with prop off to make sure it is straight?? Also, some more general ???'s; prop turns by hand, with a slight wobble to it; took prop off, the shat itself is harder to turn w/out the prop on it, is this normal ? Also, there is a small chunk of metal missing from this part, not sure what it is called, I think it is the prop shaft housing; Is this a big deal ? Any quick fixes ? <br />