Propeller Removal

[Arrann1]

I am trying to remove the propeller on a Penta MD5A Sail Drive. The propeller shaft has a cone on the end which in my case is not an anode. I have removed a bolt which screws into the shaft through the centre of the cone but am unable to remove the cone.

Is anybody able to tell me how the cone is attached to the shaft? Does it screw on and if so in what direction? Or will the cone simply pull off?

 

[bendyone]

It should be screwed on, put a rod through the hole and turn it the normal way.

 

[Dipper]

I don't know if it is the same but on the Volvo 120S saildrive the cone unscrews. There is a large 'washer' behind the cone which has tabs that bend up into a notch or notches on the cone to prevent it from unscrewing and these tabs need to be bent flat first to allow the cone to unscrew.

No doubt someone with the same saildrive as you will be along soon with more accurate advice!

 

[Arrann1]

Yes there is a hole in the cone and I assumed that was what it was for...but some confirmation is helpful so thank-you. So I just unscrew it like a normal bolt I suppose.

 

[Arrann1]

There is a nylon (or similar) washer behind the cone but no tabs although there are about 8 notches cut into the flat face of the cone which is next to the washer. I assume these are to aid removal with some special (very excpensive) tool??

 

[Dipper]

On my 120S the notches are for the tab(s) to locate in. The washer slides onto the splines so that it can't turn and one or more of the tabs are bent very slightly up to locate in the notches on the cone. This prevents the cone unscrewing accidentally even if the bolt is missing.

As I said, mine may be different from yours but it would be worth checking that there are no tabs bent up. They are quite difficult to see especially if they are covered with antifouling paint.

If your cone won't unscrew it is either very tight, has a left hand thread (I can't remember what mine is) or there are tabs you haven't found!

 

[maxi77]

If the anode has wasted away the prop may have been on for some time and may need gentle pesuasion to come off. I have not taken one of for a few years but I am reasonably sure it came straight of the splined housing. Try using a rubber mallet on it.

 

[catalina1]

I think They are left hand thread.
So to unscrew turn clockwise.