50lb. test and a propeller

[senergy]

The two met last week 25 mile out. Managed to get most of it out while sitting on the port motor. Now the prop seams a bit loose as it will pull out about 1/16-1/8". It also spins freely in the wind while being towed. Didnt seem like I had a problem going in that day and it still moves in gear. what happened? seal? Loose nut? How do you fix it? do-it u-self?

[Daddy'O]

Look for the simple things first. From what you've described I would suspect a lost cotter pin & loose prop nut.

Keep us up to date & good luck.

Wayne

[Kern O]

The potential problem with fishing line is that it will cut or damage the prop shaft seal and cause either loss of oil or water to get into the lower unit oil. So, you'll want to check it a couple times by pulling the lower unit drain plug and letting about a teaspoon of fluid out. If it is clear, you're fine. Milky means water. The fore and aft play in the prop shaft is normal. Spinning while out of gear is not a cause for concern.

You have not said what size or brand of engine, but the prop normally engages the shaft with splines, so the nut being loose or the cotter pin missing should not have any effect on if it spins. If it moves the boat in gear. the splines are engaged.

[Capt. Fred]

Rick, when I passed you on the highway it was spinning really fast. Like a fan. I've seen ton's of boats on the road and I can't remember seeing a prop spinning like that. What made it really stand out is that the port prop wasn't spinning at all. Do you remember if the port motor was in gear while you were trailering? Have you checked the lower unit gear oil level on the starboard side?

[welder]

Well , what happened with the prop.

Lester

[senergy]

Will try to look at it today. Just haven't had time, the usual excuses. Need to address it though. Hey Ken, pending no major problem, we're gong back to hatteras for that tuna bite 10-25, thursday. Will keep you posted.

[Capt. Fred]

Let me know what you decide. I'm going down on Nov 3 for a live bait mackeral trip on the Albatross so I might just wait till that weekend to go down. Probably depends on the bite!

[senergy]

Well I pulled the prop and didn't see any signs of a seal break. Changed the fluid and there didn't seem to be much saltwater infiltration (a liitle bit of a foul smell but not much white). The nut was tight and the cotter key intact. Seems to run ok with the ears so we'll find out the end of this week in Hatteras. Again, this happened 25 miles out and there didn't seem to be any problem coming in or trailering.

[Kern O]

Don't be surprised that it smelled bad. All gear oil seems to have additives to make it smell bad - really bad. And, the longer it has been in there, the worse it smells.