Prop won't come off

[kart33]

I have a 85 90HP Evinrude and I have taken the castle nut off the cotter pin out and the prop won't budge. Hasn't been off for 3 years Before I got it last fall. Is there a special puller? The manual just says remove it after the nut and cotter pin are off, tried a rubber mallet but I don't want to mess up the SS propeller as it is not in bad shape. I was just trying to change props to get the RPM's up beyond 4400 12 3/4 X 21 on a 16 Ft Sportcraft leadsled at 34mph. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Walter]

Re: Prop won't come off

It sounds as though your prop hub may be "frozen" to the shaft splines. If so, you might try tilting the engine up as far a possible so that the prop shaft is as vertical as possible. Spray a very generous amount of WD-40 or similar penetrating oil between the shaft and the prop hub. The longer it soaks...the better chance you'll have of removing your prop. Afterward, try using a rubber mallet to lightly persuade the prop from the shaft. For really stubborn props, there are specialty tools available (pullers, etc), and in the worse cases a marine shop will burn the rubber out of the hub, then press a new hub center into your prop. Let's hope you can remove it yourself without going through all that.<br /><br />Good luck...<br /><br />Walt

 

[thosch]

Re: Prop won't come off

My prop fits pretty tight. Needs to be tapped on with a rubber mallet. I bought a 6" 3-fork gear puller for about $10. Pulls the prop off with no damage.

 

[hydrasports]

Re: Prop won't come off

Im no expert bye any means, but I had the same problem , I ended up putting heat on the shaft with a torch.After a couple of minutes the prop came off easy but all my lower seals were shot/burned.I learned not to do that again. I like the advice about letting penetrating oil set in.It mite take longer but your seals will be fine. Just my (bad) experience . good luck

 

[ERR446]

Re: Prop won't come off

I bought a three prong gear puller and cut short lenghts of chain to wrap around prop blades with both ends of chain attached to gear [pulloer prongs. Works great with no banging or penetrating oil.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop won't come off

Try putting the castle nut on backwards (after soaking as suggested) and the pin through the hole. Back the boat down the ramp and run the motor in reverse. A couple of quick shots just might pull it loose. The nut will keep the prop on the shaft and the cotter pin should keep the nut on. <br /><br />Remember, a couple of quick shots only before you shut it down and look.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop won't come off

By the way, I think a 21" prop on a 90 HP on a 16' Sportcraft should run more than 4400. Did it ever?<br /><br />Let us know how you make out!

 

[kart33]

Re: Prop won't come off

Tried the soaking before to no avail. Going to the prop shop this weekend see if they can help. The engine has always run around 4500 according to the original owner but he has never had a different prop on it. Thanks Everyone.