prop removal

[cormorant]

I am going to remove the prop on my boat as I am measuring up for a new rudder. What is the correct way to remove the old prop without causing damage to the shaft or gearbox bearings? Not so easy to tap the front of the propeller boss on this design.

 

[AIDY]

easiest way is to use a puller.

something like this. either three or two legs dependant on how many blades you have

 

[willie4646]

I take it, it's a taper prop? when you have tightened the puller, apply some heat to the propeller boss this allows the prop to come off without too much pressure being used.
Willie

 

[rob2]

Endorse all so far. I had one stick, so the puller bent! Soaked it in WD40 and the next weekend it literally fell off in my hand!

 

[cormorant]

thanks guys I might invest in a 3 legged puller then I think rather than hammer and drift. Yes it is a taper prop, already soaking in wd40

 

[earlybird]

Take care not to damage the end of the shaft with the puller, a small piece of eg. brass can help. If the prop. doesn't come off with the puller firmly tightened, try a good sharp tap with a hammer on the puller bolt.

 

[alan17]

I needed to remove the prop on my boat last year. Fortunately I had a very good hydraulic puller (I am a self employed motor mechanic) and even with this I began to have doubts about it coming off then there was a bang like a gun being fired and the prop was free. A cheap puller is very likely to fail to do the job and may damage the prop. Try to locate a mobile mechanic in your area and pay them a few pounds to do it. I do not know your location so cannot sugest anybody. If you are in the Essex area pm me.

 

[boo1966]

hydraulic puller is definetly the way to go just took a prop off a friends boat no probs.Try to stand back when you think its about to go might come off like a rocket and have something on the ground to stop it getting bashed when it hits the deck

 

[KREW2]

[ QUOTE ]
Take care not to damage the end of the shaft with the pull

[/ QUOTE ]
A good point, on removing my prop this year I was advised to undo the nut behind the propellor until it was just covering the thread at the end of the shaft. This should prevent any damage that a puller may cause.

 

[alan17]

A good idea. It will also stop the prop flying off and hitting you or the ground.