spacer on prop shaft

[jal]

Got manual, have question.
Manual shows a spacer to be installed so that it engages prop shaft splines, followed by castle nut to be torqued to 70 lbs. There never was a spacer on this shaft and the castle nut will just spin to the end of the thread and a cotter pin gets inserted. The castle nut can be removed by hand. Will the lack of this spacer and the torque do any damage. The prop does have a small bit of play maybe 1 to 1.5 mm.
Thank you,
JAL

 

[Dhadley]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

What motor?

 

[jal]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

The motor is a '98 Johnson 90 hp spl. I am the original owner.

 

[troypolla]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

Just hope the cotter does not come out...(then your prop falls off while miles from shore).

 

[Dhadley]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

Yes, there should be a spacer type washer that goes over the splines.

 

[jal]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

Thank you, I will have to look for that spacer, and if that cotter came out, I guess I would deserve the row.
Thanks again,
JAL

 

[Dhadley]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

Definately get the washer but just to put your mind at ease -- The only time the nut holds the prop on is in reverse or on hard deceleration. When you put the motor in gear, the prop is always trying to go forward. Therefore it'll stay on.

A couple of times I've seen guys wanting a tow beacuse they spun a hub and dropped the nut when installing the spare. Both times I finally convinced them to put the prop on and try it. Works fine.

Just don't try reverse, you'll never feel the gears before the prop is gone.

 

[jal]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

Dhadley, you know more than most manuals. Thanks again.
By the way would I do damage if I just put a large fender washer in front of that nut.
JAL

 

[Dhadley]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

A large washer will work but make sure it's stainless. There are some aftermarket companies that make that washer. They sell them here at iboats and they're not that expensive. I believe there's a kit with a nut, washer and a key. Never hurts to have a spare nut. Well....almost never.......

 

[jal]

Re: spacer on prop shaft

Dhadley, again thank you. I will look up the washer kit on Iboats.
JAL