Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Stuck Prop
Posted by phlmedic on 05/08/12 - 9:15 AM
#1
I have a 1989 Yamaha 40 ELF on a 13 Super Sport. I am trying to remove the propeller. The propeller won't budge after removing the bolt and washers....So far I have tried spraying the splines several times with PB Blaster and also tried using a prop removing tool with no luck.
I'm not sure when the propeller was last removed, since I bought the boat 2 years ago.
Any ideas.
Thanks
Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 05/08/12 - 10:50 AM
#2
If the boat/OB were used in salt water things will get interesting. I will assume the prop has an integrated rubber hub? If the penetrating sprays have done little to this point you may have to use heat.
I have had to torch heat a prop hub once to remove it from the output shaft due to the splines not having been greased. With some luck if you can get the splined inner sleeve to absorb a good amount of heat (and continue spraying the penetrating lubricant into the hub and splines while hot but, not near the open flame please) the corrosion might just release the prop but the rubber hub will probably be finished.
Keep in mind if the prop is aluminum it will conduct the heat quickly so try not to overheat the prop, heat it gradually. If its a stainless prop use same gradual method, it will take a bit longer to warm up but when hot it will retain the heat longer than the Aluminum so be careful.
A small plumbing Propane or Butane torch should work fine. Consider having on hand a second cylinder should the first one die out before your done. Good luck with the project.
Posted by tom blinstrub on 05/08/12 - 10:52 AM
#3
Did you strike an object with the prop? Years ago I ran over a lobster pot bouy at full speed and bent the difusser ring. It took a long time to get the prop off. The splines on the inside of the prop were bent/twisted but the propshaft was not. That made it hard to pull the prop off.
Posted by phlmedic on 05/08/12 - 6:32 PM
#4
In the time that I have owned the boat, I have not struck anything with the prop. I will try the heat method and see if that works. Thanks
Posted by contender250 on 05/08/12 - 7:30 PM
#5
You need to rent/borrow a prop puller, You can use the heat but if you melt the shaft seal you will need to take it to the dealer...
Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 05/09/12 - 2:17 PM
#6
When you begin heating the hub start where the prop shaft protrudes from. Work the heat along the hub housing (Thru-Prop exhaust area). Try to avoid aiming the heat towards the bearing carrier so that the prop shaft seal does not ruin. You may want to incorporate the puller mentioned. With the combination of the heat and penetrating lubricant you might just save the day. Good luck...
Posted by phlmedic on 05/29/12 - 5:30 PM
#7
Thanks for all of the advice. After many attempts, I decided to take it to a marine mechanic. He has to cut off the prop and install a new one. He said the prop was practically "fused" on and the prop was probably never taken off and maintained from the previous owners.
Just in time for summer fun at the Jersey Shore!!!!