Is my prop loose?

[Projectile]

I'm going out on the water in about an hour, so I need a quick response to this one, please!

I just changed over to a 4-blade for my ETEC 30 and I noticed that after I'd tightened up the bolt and inserted the cotter pin, if I pulled outward on the prop (as if to try to remove it from the hub), it moved about a millimetre back and forth. You can see what I'm talking about in the video.

Is that normal or is it a problem?

[Projectile]

Sorry to repost over here, but I'm in need of an answer in a hurry as I plan to go out on the water in about an hour.

I just changed over to a 4-blade for my ETEC 30 and I noticed that after I'd tightened up the bolt and inserted the cotter pin, if I pulled outward on the prop (as if to try to remove it from the hub), it moved about a millimetre back and forth. You can see what I'm talking about in the video at the link below. If you crank up the volume, you can even hear a tap as it moves.

Is that normal or is it a problem?


http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/is-my-prop-loose-64414.html

[kerny]

That looks normal to me mine does the same there should be a slight bit of play on the prop so don't worry. I'm sure someone else will be along to say the same.

[Daniel]

That's called end float.

It's normal ***IF*** the prop shaft is moving too.

A loose prop would be moving back and forth on the shaft.

Different props need different fittings for different engines. I would suggest refitting your origional prop to see if same movement exists to be sure.

[whisper]

Thats not right, take it off and see if the shaft does the same on it's own.

If it's ok fit the old prop and test it again, it may be that you need a spacer? it might be stuck to the old prop or your new one is not the correct size?

Don't use it like that, just in case.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by whisper

Thats not right, take it off and see if the shaft does the same on it's own.

If it's ok fit the old prop and test it again, it may be that you need a spacer? it might be stuck to the old prop or your new one is not the correct size?

Don't use it like that, just in case.

I have just been out to check mine and it does exactly the same just a slight bit of play used it for 3 years and the only problem I had was the transom saddle breaking. I doubt if it was due to that though whisper.

I thought that props should have a millimeter or so play.

[henryfreston]

Had the same problem with mine.

The problem was the hub was too short for the shaft, so the prop didn't cover the splines (so when you put the washer and bolt on the non-'splined' part. This meant the washer didn't sit tight against the prop hub (therefore there was play in it)

Turned out I had missed out a spline washer, but you could just need a thicker one?

Might be talking crap, but if there is splines protruding from the the hub then the hub is too short and you need a second/thicker thrust washer.

Mine had quite a bit more play than 1mm though, about 3-4mm.

Excuse the poor explanation

[whisper]

If the shafts moving then its ok but I thought he just fitted a new prop, just think its worth checking stuff like the thrust washer rather than pushing on if he's unsure

[Pikey Dave]

Looks a tad excessive to me. There should be the slightest amount of backlash, just enough to feel but not that obvious to the eye. Put the old prop back on & see if it's the same. As the others have said, you might have the wrong thrust washer or assembled the hub incorrectly.

[Boatnomad]

Originally Posted by kerny

That looks normal to me mine does the same there should be a slight bit of play on the prop so don't worry. I'm sure someone else will be along to say the same.

+1

[Projectile]

Thanks kerny and Boatnomad. It is normal. Same movement with OEM prop.

[Projectile]

Thanks Daniel. It was exactly as you said.