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Prop puller tricks
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:48 pm
by davescarrs
I've searched the forum and have found much about what to do to install a prop properly (filing the key, big nut/small nut controversey, etc.), but have not found much about removing the prop.
I have twin inboards on a 10 meter 1987 Trojan Int. that is stored in heated indoor storage (about 55 degrees). The cotter pin has been removed and the nuts have been backed off. I have a prop puller. I was wondering just how much muscle it will take to pull the prop from the shaft. I was using a 2' leverage bar to turn the thread on the prop puller and it's still not pulling the prop all that much. Looks to have slid a little bit, but stopped to do some research before I used too much force or something. The way it was going, I may have to get a longer leverage bar.
Should I heat the area a little bit with a propane torch? (Could that hurt the cutlass bearings?) Would lube sprays work in this case around the area?
How do you guys get it done? Am i on the right track, just keep turning the puller?
Thanks!!!
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:59 pm
by Wes
Are you using a big enough puller for the 1 1/4 inch shaft?
From my experience, the prop doesn't seem to be moving much and suddenly it will just pop loose. Just keep turning the bolt on the prop puller.
Wes
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 3:22 pm
by AndyF32
Put one nut back on flush with the end of the shaft. This does 2 things, one it protects the threads on the shaft and second when the prop comes free it stops it from flying too far.
Wes is correct it should suddenly pop free. I have used a torch to heat the barrel of the prop a bit, not nearly hot enough to affect the cutlass.
Good luck and keep your hands clear of the props outer diameter to avoid injury when it pops.
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 5:46 pm
by prowlersfish
What type of puller are you using ? If you are using the type that has 2 large thread rods make sure you keep the 2 arms close to being lined up with each other or it will bind up and you will be fighting your self .
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 7:29 pm
by Danny Bailey
Warm the prop gradually to 80-100 degrees F with a propane torch, put a load on the puller and tap either the prop or the end of the shaft with a brass hammer and it should pop off. It should not take a 2 foot cheater bar or pentrating oil. If it has moved a little and still is not loose, something was wrong when it was put on.
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:54 pm
by prowlersfish
Danny , that why asked the type of puller . it could haver broken lose and then the puller started binding . I loaned mine out and that happen . ( damaged the puller after the puller was removed you could tap the props off.
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:55 pm
by chauzer
i would check the key also. i would tap the prop back on and check the end of the key, sometimes they get bunged up. maybe try a three jaw puller and an impact wrench, the jarring from the impact will help. just make sure your not screwing up the threads!
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:58 pm
by Rodman
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:04 pm
by prowlersfish
A flare ?

I am glad I have a good puller
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:30 pm
by rossjo
I think I saw that on YouTube!

Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:54 pm
by rossjo
Flares are dangerous ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghxRhdtWPa4
Do NOT try this !
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:56 pm
by mr elevman
i use a large c clamp with the end moded to a fork nut on the end of the shaft and load the puller or c lamp and litly tap the prop jernel and pop gose the propno heat needed in my case
Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 10:04 pm
by Rodman
was not using a flare gun. Just hand held flare to heat with. Was not dangerous at all if you are out in the open.

Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:12 pm
by prowlersfish
Rodman wrote:was not using a flare gun. Just hand held flare to heat with. Was not dangerous at all if you are out in the open.

Not safe at all . a torch in the right hands is safer for sure . you can turn a torch off . it may have worked but that just crazy IMO. there is no sub.for the ringt tools.
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 8:11 am
by davescarrs
Thanks guys. I will implement some of the tips you guys have mentioned and see what happens. I'll report back. Thank you all!!!!