prop loose

[Far side]

I was checking the motor over yesterday and checked the nut on the prop
It has a split pin through the locking tine on the nut and through the thread

I noticed that the nut is loose and can turn within the limitation of the split pin
the prop also has a small amount of side play minimal but you can move it a fraction.

Can anyone tell me if this assembly should be all tight and should I pull the split pin and try to get a 1/4 turn out of the nut to tighten it all up or is this normal.

df140 solarus prop

advice appreciated

[FNQCairns]

Yes mate it should be tight, not wheel nut tight though, take this opportunity to pull the prop and grease the splines etc also.

cheers fnq

[Far side]

Yes mate it should be tight, not wheel nut tight though, take this opportunity to pull the prop and grease the splines etc also.

cheers fnq

Thanks will pull off I take it SOP is to replace the split pin I have some Drive train grease in stock Lipex I would assume this is ok or do I have to get a marine grade grease

[FNQCairns]

Yeah a tub of marine grease is without doubt best, but in a bind any grease will do for the short term.
I have been changing props lately like a mad man at least 12 times in the last 3 weeks, still using the same split pin but it will not last forever, not all split pins handle the abuse, if any doubt change it out.

cheer fnq

[Seahorse]

my prop has got bit side movement. i changed the busch on my 75mers and put on an optimax bush. the original had a real growling noise at 1000 revs or less. these is no noise at all now. i asked about movement when boat yard put it on and they said it was fine. A mate of mine has same moter and he did the same but took about 5 ml of busch and is nice and tight.
when i was at cunningham marine last weekend i checked a few of the new props on some boats and some were tight and some had little side movement.
i had mine done about 50hrs ago.
anyone with a merc who has this problem change that busch.

cheers
greg

[Far side]

Just pulled off the prop and greased and replaced 50 nm is the manufactures spec for tighting so snaped it up with the tension wrench (should have looked in the book) Grabbed the prop and gave it the old side play test Percievable small amount of movement Gave it a spin and you can see a slight wobble in the inner stainleess ring bit where the blades are attached) I would assume that this is the norm Can anyone else give their props a spin and see if it is the same SUZ df140

[Kerry]

You really should not see a slight wobble in the outer part of the prop. Might indictae the prop bush needs some attention?

Also you don't tighten up the prop nut to make fit the split pin fit. If the pin does not fit then you back it off not nip it up.

And with the price of split pins compared to a prop etc then replacing a used/bent ones first time is a good policy.

[Far side]

You really should not see a slight wobble in the outer part of the prop. Might indictae the prop bush needs some attention?

Also you don't tighten up the prop nut to make fit the split pin fit. If the pin does not fit then you back it off not nip it up.

And with the price of split pins compared to a prop etc then replacing a used/bent ones first time is a good policy.

Thanks kerry I am due for a 20 hr service so will get them to check it
I torque wrenched the nut to the right pressure and the split pin lined up perfectly I am very conscious of the nut tightness used to work with a giant of a man in the oil industry could never undo any nuts he did up.

[GAD]

Got to agree there ,done a bit of prop changing lately , to try and get the best out of her, but every change has been a new split pin, at 2 bucks for a pack of 20 small price for the security , and I don't fancy trying to put a new prop on out on the water.

[gawby]

My last boat (GAWBY) had a 90 merc on it and it seemed to rattle at idle when trolling.
I fitted a two piece bush in the prop and this seemed to take most of the rattle sesation away.
It was fitted with a stainless prop and there was a small amount of movement in and out and sideways which i was told by a couple of mechanics that this was the norm.
Graeme

[disorderly]

Far side,

Take heed off that good advise from kerry and GAD.
Always use a new split pin when putting the prop back on.
I read a story of a bloke locally(about 2 yrs ago) who lost his $700 or thereabouts prop whilst out fishing.Then also had to pay for a $2oo dollar tow in from coastguard.
Ouch.

Scott

[Far side]

Far side,

Take heed off that good advise from kerry and GAD.
Always use a new split pin when putting the prop back on.
I read a story of a bloke locally(about 2 yrs ago) who lost his $700 or thereabouts prop whilst out fishing.Then also had to pay for a $2oo dollar tow in from coastguard.
Ouch.

Scott

no dramas will grab some tomorrow and fit