How to remove Prop?
- Thread starter seumask
- Start date
Concerto
Well-Known Member
The puller is the best and easiest way to remove a prop. Inexpensive pullers are available on places like ebay.
Another way to help crack the seal on the taper is to gently tap the boss with a very small hammer (like a toffee hammer) as the vibrations should help do this. When I tried it on my prop it did not work, so I borrowed an expensive prop puller from my brother.
Another way to help crack the seal on the taper is to gently tap the boss with a very small hammer (like a toffee hammer) as the vibrations should help do this. When I tried it on my prop it did not work, so I borrowed an expensive prop puller from my brother.
macnorton
Well-Known Member
Leave the nut partially on when using a puller, they can fly when released!
seumask
Well-Known Member
Being new to the world of "pullers" what type of puller do I need?
What part do I push against, is it the partially loosned Nut?
What part do I push against, is it the partially loosned Nut?
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MoodySabre
Well-Known Member
I took mine off this year - I reckon it had been on for 15years. I borrowed a puller but couldn't shift it. I asked a guy who works on boats in our yrad to help and he wound the puller up with a 3 foot bar and then put a blowlamp on the prop. After about 15 mins there was a big bang and it flew off. You could have cooked a scone on the prop! Anyway he only charged me £20 and I would never have suceeded on my own.
macnorton
Well-Known Member
External pullers, I have a home made set with two 16mm plates and several bolts,brutal but functional.
If normal pullers fail have a word with the local plant-hire about hydraulic ones.
If normal pullers fail have a word with the local plant-hire about hydraulic ones.
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
I use one like this.
But you could also use a jaw puller
https://www.google.co.za/search?new...2-1j0j2.3.0....0...1c.1.49.img..6.2.717.mI9Qk
One problem I can see is that there is very gap between the prop hub and rope cutter so you may need to slacken both and pull then both off together.
seumask
Well-Known Member
I can remove the Rope cutter before I put the prop into a puller.
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
Sometimes the forward edge of the prop is rounded or chamfered and a three leg puller like the one shown will not stay on. You may find that a big hose clip around the legs will help.
However, the first thing to try is the double hammer method. With two fairly heavy hammers, at least 2 lb, one in each hand, bang the boss of the prop simultaneously on each side. This has the effect of squeezing the conical bore of the prop and will often push it off the shaft. Leave the nut on loosely. Whatever you do, do not try to hammer it off axially as the impact force is acting directly on the bearings of the gearbox.
However, the first thing to try is the double hammer method. With two fairly heavy hammers, at least 2 lb, one in each hand, bang the boss of the prop simultaneously on each side. This has the effect of squeezing the conical bore of the prop and will often push it off the shaft. Leave the nut on loosely. Whatever you do, do not try to hammer it off axially as the impact force is acting directly on the bearings of the gearbox.
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Tranona
Well-Known Member
Definitely remove the cutter first. Should be no need to take the prop off to measure the taper. Measure the shaft - it will be either 1" or 25mm - the cutter will be marked with the exact size. The taper will be standard 1:12 for imperial or 1:10 for metric.
vic008
Well-Known Member
The last time I was advised to hammer it on a bit, then hammer it off. It worked like a charm
CET1
Well-Known Member
To remove ours we were advised to try hitting the prop shat with two hammers. It worked a treat. but if that failed then to apply heat and hit again. just to remember to just slacken end nut as ours went off like a gun.
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
I assume the adviser was the man you later paid to replace your gearbox output shaft bearings?
seumask
Well-Known Member
Thanks all for the suggestions, two hammer across the shaft on the Prop boss sounds like the first step to try, its a westerly 1984 and although I have not measured the shaft with a calliper I am fairly sure its a 1" shaft so hoping to find the taper is 1:12 as suggested by Tranona.
sailaboutvic
Well-Known Member
I totally agree with VYV this has worked for me when removing prop , you just may find the only way will be with an pulley and a bar and as said heat , some do take a lot to release them .
Bluewatersailorcroatia.webs.com
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
For general info I have removed my prop while still a float using SCUBA gear and the type of puller shown at the top of my previous thread so using opposing hammers under water is not easy.
sailaboutvic
Well-Known Member
rogerthebodger
Well-Known Member
Let hope the OP isn't plainning to remove it under water
Why not or are you concerned what type of plain he would use ?
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
I'm not suggesting a puller doesn't work, obviously it does and I have used one many times. The difference is that I already own three of them whereas the OP has told us he does not have one.
Topcat47
Well-Known Member
I remove and polish my prop every time I lift out. I've never needed a puller. Usually a hot air paint stripper is enough to expand the prop enough to slip it off, but I have resorted to a blow lamp in the past, too. Last year I had a bash on one of the blades. Took it to Hamble Props who re-balanced it and corrected a couple of other things I hadn't noticed, including the shaft being out of true.