Installing Prop on Alpha 1

[Dave 205]

After removing my prop with a crescent wrench for maintenance, I put it back on the other day with my nifty new Lowe's Kobalt 1/2 inch drive torque wrench with a 27mm deep socket. Reaches in there perfectly. The Mercury manual recommends 55 pounds torque. At that setting, it seemed like I was yanking the heck out of the outdrive and I was bracing my leverage so as to focus on the prop nut, not pulling the drive. The wrench never did give.
Since I wanted to get on the water yesterday (and I did :smt038) I looked around YOU TUBE, and our Dennis from Peter's Marine saved me again. If I take Dennis correctly, the exact torque not being that the important if tight and lock tabs on properly.

I guess my question is, does it seem like you are yanking the heck out of your drive at 55 lbs? The wrench seems pretty nice, and I'd like to properly torque my trailer wheels etc. Or do I have a bad wrench I need to return?

 

[Bucit]

We put a 2x4 between the prop and lower unit and then tighten. I've nerver really worried about torque as long as it was tight and the retaining clip or lock tabs were on properly.

 

[Molson]

yep, my mechanic said the same. Snug it up "tight" then an extra bit to line the retainer up.

 

[Red Horse]

I say snug it up. Also it is a good idea to use different tabs on the lock washer or get a new one every once in a while. The metal will fatigue after bending over and over. I keep a set on the boat as a spare.

 

[Dave 205]

Thanks all. I used the 2X4 block and had it plenty tight - with a new locking washer. All went fine last weekend. Just have to make a decision on what to do with the torque wrench.

 

[just me]

Just have to make a decision on what to do with the torque wrench.

Back it off to zero and put it away :smt001