Changed out props; new prop not spinning freely

B

Becker

New Member
May 14, 2011
17
Ventura County, CA
Boat Info
2011 200 Sundeck (soon)
Engines
Merc 260 HP Alpha
I have a 2011 200SD with the 5.0 alpha one drive. I use one of two props -- the default three-blade for normal use and a High5 for altitude.

I just switched the props and have found that when I spin the prop by hand it does not spin freely. There is a small but noticeable rub and the prop will move a millimeter or so on the shaft. I've taken the prop off and put it back on twice with identical results.

Is this just an issue of needing to apply more elbow grease to the nut so that the prop will fit more snugly. Or is there something else going on?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
Make sure that spacer (it's called a thrust washer) is in place and there is no damage to the hub. You didn't say if your prop has a built in hub or if you are using a hub kit. With the kit the plastic piece slides into the prop hub from the back and it is ususally a tight fit, it must go in flush. The bottom of propeller hub sits slightly inside the drive housing when it is installed properly. I've had some of my props rub slightly in that area, just enough to rub the paint on the prop hub. Just make sure everthing is snug, not overly tight - there should be no wabble in the prop shaft, but a slight 1/16th or so play fore and aft on the propshaft.
 
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your thrust washer goes on with a specific orientation. Any chance you reversed it?
 
Yes - good point - the larger flat side of the thrust washer goes toward the drive, the smaller side toward the prop.
 
Thank you all for the responses. I definitely checked the thrust washer first and it was on correctly (and put on correctly each subsequent attempt). I am using a hub kit but the plastic is snug as well. I'd say I have a1/16th play and so that alone doesn't appear to be a concern, but I still have a rub when I spin the prop. Just need to keep at it I suppose.
 
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So I finally had a chance to run the motor in the driveway today. I seem to have picked up a new symptom -- a clanking noise when shifting into gear (forward only, not reverse). I shifted both quickly and slowly and had the same issue.
 
Where exactly is the prop rubbing... Is it the actual prop that's rubbing? If you put everything on correctly, and nothing else changed since you took the prop off and back on, the only explanation is the prop is bent (assuming it's at the forward end of the hub as I can't imagine it anywhere else). If you ended up with the thrust washer backwards, it would push the prop further aft - further away from touching the drive - no chance on rubbing.

There should be a noticeable/loud clunk when going into gear - whether forward or reverse. It should be relatively the same. If not, the cable might need adjustment. But, this should be unrelated to this rubbing you're referring to (if it is, indeed the prop rubbing). ALWAYS shift quickly to avoid damage. If you've been shifting slowly, that could be the reason for the lack of 'clunk' since the gears may have been worn down.
 
Lazy Daze said:
Where exactly is the prop rubbing... Is it the actual prop that's rubbing? If you put everything on correctly, and nothing else changed since you took the prop off and back on, the only explanation is the prop is bent (assuming it's at the forward end of the hub as I can't imagine it anywhere else). If you ended up with the thrust washer backwards, it would push the prop further aft - further away from touching the drive - no chance on rubbing.

There should be a noticeable/loud clunk when going into gear - whether forward or reverse. It should be relatively the same. If not, the cable might need adjustment. But, this should be unrelated to this rubbing you're referring to (if it is, indeed the prop rubbing). ALWAYS shift quickly to avoid damage. If you've been shifting slowly, that could be the reason for the lack of 'clunk' since the gears may have been worn down.
Click to expand...

Thank for the response. I cannot tell where the prop seems to be rubbing. There doesn't seem to be one visible location. It just doesn't spin freely. I'll take it in and see if it is bent.

I should have more clear. The noise when shifting is above and beyond the typical sound.
 
The only place the prop can rub the drive is where it comes into close contact at the base of the hub. That should be very easy to see. If nothing there, take the prop off and look for foreign material.

By chance is the rubbing sound you are hearing a clicking sound?
 
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