Prop removal & service

[CraigBradley]

I'm trying to get my folding 2 blade prop of the shaft. I've managed to get the blades off but can't move the 'hub'. There seems to be a hexagonal nut / head at the end of the shaft within the hub. I've also taken out the allen stud presumably holding a key. Any advise on getting the hub off the shaft?

The main reason for taking the prop off is to have it 'serviced / balanced' in an attempt to reduce vibration and wear on the cutlass bearing. Again, any guidance on who can check props would be most welcome.

Happy New Year and great sailing for 2003.

 

[spannerman]

Hi Craig, if it is a normal prop which sits on a tapered shaft, then remove the nut in the center and try heating the hub with a blowtorch, then a few sharp whacks with a soft hammer from behind should persuade it. However I am a little concerned about the wear you are experiencing on the cutlass bearing. When you have replaced the bearing and reinstalled the shaft, check the flange alignment between the shaft and g.box, could be you have a soggy engine mount and the shaft is being stressed sideways this will cause vibration and wear on the cutlass bearing. Without any flange bolts in but with the flanges pushed hard up to each other, you should be able to run a 5 thou feeler blade smoothly between the flanges ALL the way round, if it grabs at some point or is very loose then you have adjust the motor mounts until it is the same friction all round the flanges
Good luck Steve

 

[GilesC]

Craig,

I've just succeeded in getting mine off today. I couldn't get if off with a hammer or a even a puller - the puller just twisted and came off before the prop would budge. I got some useful advice from my boatyard, who have experienced the same quite a few times before - use the puller, and get as much tension on it as possible, then give the hub a whack with a 2lb hammer. They said it didn't matter where or how you hit it, but the shock should be enough. However, it only worked for me after about 4 whacks using a drift so I could hit in the direction I wanted it to move.

Not as easy as I was expeting that's for sure. Good luck!

 

[LadyInBed]

This is also how I've done mine.

To help in stopping the puller slipping off, tighten a restraint around the puller arms. Either a large jubilee clip or a spanish windlass.

 

[Skyva_2]

Sillette Sonic checked and refurbished our two blade folding prop. Seemed a good outfit, and very helpful.

Keith