Whats the right way to change a prop

mstacey · 22 July 2003, 16:03

Ok I've dented my Ali prop (somewhat sooner that I'd have liked ) so I'm going to get a stainless steel one .

Engine is a Suzuki DF140

But how to change it.

I assume that it is take the plugs out so the engine can't fire. Stick it in gear / clamp the prop so it can not rotate. remove the split pin and undo the castle nut then pull/wiggle till the prop comes off.

Slot the new one on and do everything back up.

Sounds easy, but what am I missing, what should I watch out for when putting the new one on to make sure it all works ok.

Should I change anything else whilst changing the prop ?

MeMe · 22 July 2003, 17:01

Well, if I were changing a prop and wanted some advice I'd come to you. You seem to have noted every detail. I had cause to change my prop about 2 months ago after my daughter thought it would be nice to fill the aperture behind the prop with stones and shells whilst she sat on the beach - nice ! I employed the services of my local boat yard Abersoch Land and Sea (rip off merchants) who under supervision did exactly as you detail taking no more than 7 minutes. Just be careful with the Castle washer, they are quite thin.

Alan · 22 July 2003, 17:12

Why would you need to take the plugs out? Key out, leave in gear and remove kill cord should be sufficient to ensure that it wont start. Or am I missing something (other than obviously having flirted with death in the past changing props!

)

jace · 22 July 2003, 17:33

Much easier than that, put the gearbox in neutral so you can’t turn anything at all, use a trusty block of wood to stop the prop rotating and hence undo the nut.

Like you say always remove the Kill cord just encase.

J

Richard B · 22 July 2003, 17:57

If you're as physically and emotionally attached to your limbs as I am to mine, I suggest that it would be wise to remove the HT leads at either the coil or spark plug end (depends what's more accessible on your engine). Then, just in case there's a wiring fault anywhere, you're fully isolated.

I guess this is what you actually meant by "remove spark plugs", Martin? 'cos if you unscrewed the spark plugs and put it in gear, that would not serve any purpose as there would be no compression with the plugs removed, so no resistance at the prop, except for the drag of the drivetrain.

mstacey · 22 July 2003, 19:24

Thanks for all your replies.

Charles · 22 July 2003, 20:00

Crikey - you guys are a paranoid lot. I took both my props off yesterday, just make sure your battery isolater switch is off. Sheeesh?!

Richard B · 22 July 2003, 20:03

Yeah, but you jump out of perfectly serviceable aeroplanes!

Ribald · 22 July 2003, 20:11

Martin, you will probably need a large piece of wood to wedge between the prop and the anti-ventilation plate to stop said beast turning whilst you undo the nut.

Do you know what torque you need to tighten the prop nut up to when you fit the new prop?

-<=[Tw18]=>- · 22 July 2003, 20:12

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
Yeah, but you jump out of perfectly serviceable aeroplanes!

hehe nice one

Dirk Diggler · 22 July 2003, 20:33

Sometimes I can't believe what I'm reading, but having suffered 4 pages on Bilge Pumps, what the hell.

Now I don't wish to appear rude, although I don't doubt that that is how you will interpret this, but Mstacey, should you really be in charge of a motorised vessel if you need to ask a question like this. And as for the replies, well all I can say is for once I'm in agreement with Charles.

I would imagine that the majority of you lot unplug the telly before you go to bed, don't go out in the sun without a lead unbrella, and probably use two condoms at a time. I've heard of safety but Jesus, you lot are unreal!!!

cloudy · 22 July 2003, 20:43

Try changing one at sea

Richard B · 22 July 2003, 20:52

Personal choice, diggi.

I've survived for years in electrical and mechancal engineering environments without a scratch. Actually not true - chopped part of my finger off once!

Anyway, if you can do something safely, why not? A minute spent preparing could save pain, suffering and an unnecessary encounter with David Manning in a professional capacity. Imagine geting the "kiss of life" from dave - that's enough to scare you into safe working practises

As for unplugging the telly - what a silly idea! You might give yourself a back injury bending down...

Dirk Diggler · 22 July 2003, 20:52

Did a pair of Bravo 3's on Sunday, what's the problem?

Richard B · 22 July 2003, 20:55

You are a handy fellow, aren't you

Fancy giving me a hand bleeding my steering on Saturday?

Dirk Diggler · 22 July 2003, 20:56

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
Personal choice, diggi.

I've survived for years in electrical and mechancal engineering environments without a scratch. Actually not true - chopped part of my finger off once!

Hmm

WHY?

Dirk Diggler · 22 July 2003, 20:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
You are a handy fellow, aren't you

Fancy giving me a hand bleeding my steering on Saturday?

No problem, £35.00 per hour plus travelling.

Richard B · 22 July 2003, 20:58

Whadda ya mean... d'you mean how did I cut part of me finger off?

Richard B · 22 July 2003, 20:59

Quote:

Originally posted by Dirk Diggler
...plus travelling.

I'm not payin' you to go on holiday!

Dirk Diggler · 22 July 2003, 21:00

No, I mean why did you. Was it some sort of self mutilation ritual?

And what make of steering do you have?