Prop removal tool - any ideas?

[Guest]

Has anyone any suggestions for a reasonably priced prop puller, I can't find one anywhere and I am unable to remove my props this year for servicing; the're stuck on. I have a volvo duoprop sterndrive so there is very little clearance between the props. Any ideas?

Many thanks

Andy Coggin.

 

[mtb]

Shame your not local I have a reasonable selection of hydraulic and normal pullers, but a reasonable hire shop should have a set !!! but check the size first a three arm puller is best.
cheers
Mick

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[spannerman]

In the Volvo shop I work for we use a block of wood on the back of the prop and tap it with a lump hammer, shifting to different blades to equalise the effect. Done this dozens of times and never damaged a prop yet! Suggest you wash off the old grease which has dried out and caused this problem, and lube the splines with waterproof grease, next time they will fly off! Good luck Steve

 

[claymore]

My boatyard (well, not mine personally!) does this but also gives the shaft a warm up with the oxy-acet first - came off a treat!

regards
Claymore

 

[davtt]

Hi Andy.

Try tapping around the boss of the prop first. It seems that some engineers put loctite on the splines to make sure the prop doesn't come loose.

Regards,
Dave Tunmore

 

[vyv_cox]

Taking the advice given above into account, don't ignore the fact that every axial blow that you give to your propeller impacts directly on the thrust bearing of the gearbox. Since you are knocking the anti-thrust side it may be that you will get away with it, but there is a real risk when the bearing is a ball type. If you have to hammer, better to have an assistant pressing a heavy mass, e.g. sledge hammer head or similar, against the shaft and opposing the direction of hammering

 

[mtb]

There you are some else that knows you should treat things acordingly, how many times I have seen prop bosses damaged cos a hammer has been used .
I'd not be happy letting some one belt a prop especialy when they will then want to charge for a new one.
Yes there are times when heat and direct force are needed but rarely !!.
Mick

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[Guest]

Thanks for your replies!

Thanks for all your replies!

I think I'll try the gentle tapping solution first and see if that works. I put the props on myself last year and used plenty of waterproof grease, so I can't really understand why they seem so stuck. If that doesn't work I'll probably have to resort to paying the volvo engineers to remove them.

Regards

Andy.

 

[Gordonmc]

I helped a neighbour with his three bladed (fixed) prop on a Vertue.
His thumping with a hammer against a drift had no effect at all.
I used a three legged hub puller as sold by Halfords etc. and applied gentle heat to the prop.
The puller centre bolt was tightened hard and hit with the hammer. This has greater effect that hitting the prop itself. Another quarter turn and the prop came off with a bang, throwing a ring spanner off the nut and hitting my thumb.
Ouch!
Remember to wear work-gloves!
Best of luck

 

[alastair]

Andy,
I had exactly the same problem with my Duoprops a few years ago. The first (4 blade) prop came off without too much problem, but the second (3 blade) was a nightmare. I managed to borrow a very large hub puller, but even using this with heavy blows on the tensioning nut was no good. The blows were cushioned by the rubber bush instead of directly on the metal inner. The cure was to get a good quality penertating oil acting on the correct area, but at first, the oil was not getting beyond the shaft end surface. The cure was to drill a series of small holes, 1-2mm dia, and 1mm (max) deep allong each of the splines in the shaft. This has the effect of removing the hardened grease which was sealing the splines, and providing a 'retainer' for the oil. With the drive leg raised, apply penetrating oil and leave for a few hours. Then a few taps, and Hey presto!! Wedges (1top and 1 bottom) between the front of the prop and the ring anode retaining bolts will help force off the prop instead of a puller.
I used Keynol (sp) waterproof greese when re-assembling and have no problem in subsequent years.
Hope this helps.

Regards

Alastair