Prop stuck on shaft

[Ziggy]

Pro-Pull worked well for me.

When you're ready to replace the prop, look at MaineSail's http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/fitting_a_prop. Also, I found that 1) smearing some Tefgel on the shaft before installing the prop and 2) removing the prop each year to polish and check the balance makes the job easier next time.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Ziggy

Pro-Pull worked well for me.

When you're ready to replace the prop, look at MaineSail's Lap Fitting A Propeller To A Shaft Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com. Also, I found that 1) smearing some Tefgel on the shaft before installing the prop and 2) removing the prop each year to polish and check the balance makes the job easier next time.

You should never grease the prop or shaft when installing a prop. The tolerances are so close that grease may not allow the prop to seat fully. And BTW- the prop is not supposed to be easy to remove. You want it too stay where it is.

[Ziggy]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

You should never grease the prop or shaft when installing a prop. The tolerances are so close that grease may not allow the prop to seat fully. And BTW- the prop is not supposed to be easy to remove. You want it too stay where it is.

The prop seems to be hard enough to remove even with the tefgel coating. Also, the retaining nut is pinned, so I don't think there's any danger of the prop falling off.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Ziggy

The prop seems to be hard enough to remove even with the tefgel coating. Also, the retaining nut is pinned, so I don't think there's any danger of the prop falling off.

Yes, because nobody ever loses a prop.

But hey, it's your boat and your dime. Just telling you what the largest propeller repair facility on the West Coast told me.

[foggysail]

I use a gear puller similar to that pictured by Cotemar. Got mine on Ebay, had to modify them slightly to fit my 22- 24" props.

But I want to comment on "beating" a prop with a hammer or for that matter anything. If you're banging on the back side of the prop hoping to extract it via hammer blows with or without using a puller of some sorts, you are at risk of damaging your transmission. Think about it.

[foggysail]

I need to pull my props before spring launch. Before I reinstall them, I am going to lap fit them to the shafts using valve grinding compound. Hopefully that will lessen future removal work.

[westwinds]

If you took a hammer to the propeller, find a propeller repair shop that has one of these. The service does not cost much: Prop Straightener

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by foggysail

I need to pull my props before spring launch. Before I reinstall them, I am going to lap fit them to the shafts using valve grinding compound. Hopefully that will lessen future removal work.

Actually it should make it more difficult. The tapered shaft with a close fit is supposed to be sufficient to hold the prop and keep it from rotating on the shaft. The shaft key is just backup. You should be able to have a keyless installation that works just fine with a precise taper fit.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

The tapered shaft with a close fit is supposed to be sufficient to hold the prop and keep it from rotating on the shaft. The shaft key is just backup.

Well, I gotta say I've never heard that one before.

[westwinds]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

Actually it should make it more difficult. The tapered shaft with a close fit is supposed to be sufficient to hold the prop and keep it from rotating on the shaft. The shaft key is just backup. You should be able to have a keyless installation that works just fine with a precise taper fit.

Not if a rope or net got caught in the propeller

[Celestialsailor]

In my earlier days, I tried to use an automotive generic, one size fits all puller...Useless!
Finally made my own puller out of SS and while I was at it made my own flange puller for removing the flange to the transmission on the other end of the prop shaft. there is nothing more frustrating than trying to do "boat yoga" in a cramped engine area to remove that damn flange

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

In my earlier days, I tried to use an automotive generic, one size fits all puller...Useless!
Finally made my own puller out of SS and while I was at it made my own flange puller for removing the flange to the transmission on the other end of the prop shaft. there is nothing more frustrating than trying to do "boat yoga" in a cramped engine area to remove that damn flange

Very nice work you do. SS also.

[sww914]

Nice tool!

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

In my earlier days, I tried to use an automotive generic, one size fits all puller...Useless!
Finally made my own puller out of SS and while I was at it made my own flange puller for removing the flange to the transmission on the other end of the prop shaft. there is nothing more frustrating than trying to do "boat yoga" in a cramped engine area to remove that damn flange

I made one too.

It also pushes and pulls my cutlass bearing. Everybody should have one!


.

[westwinds]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

In my earlier days, I tried to use an automotive generic, one size fits all puller...Useless!
Finally made my own puller out of SS and while I was at it made my own flange puller for removing the flange to the transmission on the other end of the prop shaft. there is nothing more frustrating than trying to do "boat yoga" in a cramped engine area to remove that damn flange

Maybe this is your boat yoga, loosen the bolts holding the propeller shaft flange and put a socket in there after you take the shaft nut out, then reassemble with longer bolts for the flange connection and tighten. This will force the flange off the propeller shaft as you tighten the bolts.