Prop removal

[Bruce Hanson]

I plan on going to the boat this weekend and was wondering if anyone has a trick for removing a three blade prop without renting a puller.

[Randy Stolze]

   Bruce,

        The following worked for me.

        Remove the cotter pin back off the nut a little but don't take it off. Try tapping with a piece of hard wood after heating around the hub with a propane tourch.Don't overdo the hammer. More heat is better than rapping too hard on the shaft which is connected to the transmission.

   Randy

[Ron Hill]

Bruce : If your prop has never been off in the last few years -- you'll wish that you had rented/borrowed a 3 bladed prop puller!!   
Try the torch, just be careful not to damage the prop, strut or shaft.   

[Howard Armstrong]

I agree. i pulled mine, to replace the prop, and it had just been off. i would not want to try it without a puller. i built my puller in an hour or so.

[Ken Juul]

The "Auto Zone" chain of car parts stores has a good tool loan program.  If you have a store in your area they might have a gear puller that is big enough for the prop.  You have to leave a deposit that is refunded when you bring to tool back.

[Kyle Ewing]

When I pulled my prop, I used a reversible three jaw wheel puller, maybe $15 at an auto parts store.  I placed a coin between the end of the shaft for the puller to push against to keep from deforming the shaft.  By the way, I used a steering wheel puller to help remove the coupler from the transmission end of the prop shaft.