Freewheeling Prop On Outboard Thread - An Update

[demonboy]

A couple of months ago I posted a thread about my prop going into freewheel when in high revs. Possible solutions from the responses I received ranged from cavitation to the shear pin.

I chickened out in the end and took the OB to a mechanic here in Turkey and explained the problem, ney, demonstrated it to him, telling him it was a prop issue. So he stripped the entire engine, air-blasted every component of the carb, oil change etc - basically a whole service which I didn't ask for (and I won't be paying for it either) - and then told me the problem was solved! I asked him to show me and sure enough, the problem was still there. So he took the prop off, took a cursory glance at it and told me the problem was the prop! Like I hadn't just told you that! Why you no listen? True Turkish stylee.

Anyway, he showed me that the impeller-type grommet thing that holds the teethed nut in place in the centre of the prop was slipping (apologies for non-technical jargon), which makes complete sense. Stick a screw-driver in it and you can forcefully turn the inside of the prop.

However he claims that this requires an entire new prop. Surely I can just replace this centre bit of the prop rather than buying a whole new one?

Any clues?

Hope this helps start to clear up the mystery of an issue that a lot of you guys were very helpful with. Watch this space......

 

[sarabande]

I suppose there's a faint chance that when "freewheeling" the bush has abraded and enlarged the bore into which it fits, and there IS a need for a new prop, BUT if the "impellor" bit is worn/slipping, you only need to replace that one.

 

[Pete7]

The bush (rubber bit) has gone and yes they can be replaced. If you were in the UK then I would recommend Geoff at:

http://www.streamlinedpropellers.co.uk/

However in turkey not sure, but its only the case of getting the right bush and a big press. Perhaps the dealer makes more money / easier fix just to sell you a new prop.

Pete

 

[Norman_E]

Whilst I agree that you should be able to change the rubber bush (Shock absorber) I think you will find that it was either bonded in place with an adhesive or moulded in situ, in which case it is a specialist repair, or possibly a "return to factory" job.
I suggest that Demonboy contacts the engine maker for advice on whether it is repairable.

 

[Pete7]

[ QUOTE ]
Whilst I agree that you should be able to change the rubber bush (Shock absorber) I think you will find that it was either bonded in place with an adhesive or moulded in situ,

[/ QUOTE ] Out of the prop they look like a rubber donut, just get squeezed into place, although I agree not a DIY job hence I normally get Geoff to do mine when they go. Remember they are designed to give, hopefully saving something of the gearbox when you run aground.

Pete

 

[demonboy]

Well, maybe we were a bit impatient but we went ahead and got a Turkish-style repair done on it. This was mainly because we are off tomorrow and leaving the comfort of marinas and mechanics for the next six months or so.

The answer? Three screws through the centre of the prop to retain the bush in place. Of course this now means we don't have the comfort zone of the 'give' factor that Pete suggests and in fact could seriously **** something up other than the prop, like the gear box, as suggested.

Right now I'm looking into finding a supplier of said bush, but in the meantime I would be interested to know if you think what we have done is pretty dumb or an acceptable short-hand work around. If nothing else I got a full engine service for less than £20, so it's not all bad.