Prop Removal on Alpha One

[marcoalza]

I've mashed up my prop and want to replace it myself.

• Is it just a case of removong the nut and remove and replace the prop?
• Do I need any other parts before I replace it?
• How do I stop the prop turning while removing/replacing the nut? Can I put it in gear or can that damage something internal?

I really would appreciate your help guys.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Prop Removal on Alpha One

Pretty straight forward. I put a block of wood between a blade and the drive or ground to keep the prop from turning. If ya just put the boat in gear, you may actually just start turning the engine over thru the drive- Bend the little locking tangs up that keep the prop nut from loosening on their own. Take off the lock nut. Keep track of the order of the parts as you remove them [ continuity washer, etc.] Check for fishing line etc wrapped around everything, look for gear oil leakage.. Slather grease on prop shaft before reassembly. Reassemble in opposite order. I have reused the prop nut and locking washer a number of times. However if the lock washer tangs or the nylon part of the prop nut are old and worn out, replace em. Torque prop nut to 55 Ft Lbs I believe? Better double check that.... Dont forget the thrust washer underneath the prop. Big solid thing.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Prop Removal on Alpha One

Go to Youtube, search "replace propeller mercruiser" and you will find many videos that are worth many words here.

In short, yes, just remove the cotter pin (or bend back the locking tabs...depends on your model) and take the prop nut off and just pull the prop off. Thrust washer also, which may be stuck to the shaft (tap with hammer), or stuck to the backside of the prop, (pop off with screwdriver).

Stop the prop from turning with a block of wood jambed between a prop blade and cavitation plate.

Before replacing, grease the splines of the shaft. This is annual maintenance item that many people skip. If you haven't greased your splines annually, your prop may be seized to the shaft. Beating it off with rubber mallet sometimes frees them, other times the prop needs to be cut off and thrown away.

Use the correct thrust washer for your replacement prop...sometimes they need to be changed. Usually it's suggested to replace the prop nut and cotter pin/locking tab with new parts instead of reusing the old ones.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: Prop Removal on Alpha One

Thanks Guys.
Appreciate the advice and I've now seen the videos on YouTube.

Thanks