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Can’t get my props off

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by 993RSR, Jun 4, 2020.

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  1. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    You need to get someone who knows what they're doing to work on this. You're way over your head and the yard isn't helping. This is not a DIY job.
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Nope, 3 jaw puller will not work.
  3. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    This really is not a big deal. As others have said, you just need the right experienced people with the right tools and equipment. I have never come across a prop we couldn’t get off and I’m talking props that are bigger and heavier than your whole boat. Every project has the right tools and equipment. I do not recommend trying to do this yourself. You run a real risk of hurting someone or causing serious damage. You just need to find a yard or contractor that has the tools and experience.
  4. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Good to know. Thanks. If we ever get them off I will follow those suggestions.
  5. Cowger

    Cowger Member

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    Such a cool video! I'm amazed by how they seemed to know, almost to the second, when that thing was finally going to move...
  6. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Thanks brain trust! I made notes of all the do's and don'ts. One last question. My service guy wants me to call a local tech with this puller:
    prop puller small pic.png
  7. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I have to ask;
    After all of these attempts, How are the shaft end and threads holding up?
    I have witness the threaded end bent out of true also.
  8. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    That's essentially like the set-up used in the video, so yes. Make sure there's plenty of heat arranged for it. Also, some way to keep the prop from flying off the end of the shaft. In your picture, the hub is too narrow to space the puller drilled holes far enough apart to allow for the nut to be on the shaft, it appears to me. You may be luckier in that regard and be able to have a nut on. Just a cotter key alone could shear, maybe.
  9. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    This type of puller should be a good option. You do run the risk of pulling the threads in your holes on the prop but if they apply enough heat they should jump before you pull any threads. Highly likely the cutlass bearings will need replacing due to heat damage. Do you have spares available or readily available near you?
  10. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    The strut bearings are 2 months old :-(
    Pulling the threads out? Geez maybe I should leave my new Veems in the box.
    Thanks for the good information.
  11. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The props have only been on the shafts 2 months????????
  12. Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    As CJ said, have the Yard measure the taper after removal. That sounds bad.
  13. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    That's very much the style puller the diver used on mine in Coinjock. Instead of heat (underwater) he applied pressure with the hydraulics and then wrapped on the hub with his sledge. Good setup.
  14. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Yes 2 months or so.
    Seminole:
    Shafts sent out
    Hull bearings added
    Strut bearings removed and replaced
    Laser target to couplings
    Engines raised, shims added
    Treasure coast reconditioned the props recommended a new set
    Boat runs awesome now. Smooth as glass
    My new Veems just arrived
  15. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Make sure the yard laps the props to the shafts, also check the keyway fit to both the shafts and the props. They shouldn't have stuck on the shafts like that after only 2 months.
  16. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    To be fair, I’ve seen props nearly fall off a shaft on a vessel on the hard when the yard went to remove them, only to see them stick hard later in that same haul when the yard went to remove them after installing them mistakenly ahead of the bearings.

    Stuff happens. Fits are tight.
  17. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If the props are in the sun for a few hours and then mounted on cool (in the shade) shafts, It's usually a bear to get them off the next time.
  18. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    That does it. I am installing KeMaWa jets :) Maybe pods are better
  19. 993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    OK so here is the update on removing my props!
    Hauled Monday morning to be out all week for bottom maintenance and finally get my new Veem props installed. We scheduled a running gear specialist from 40 miles south to come up a remove my props.
    Tuesday morning he arrives to remove and install the Veems. He installs a pretty beefy puller in the two threaded holes on the small prop hub. Torques it up and fires up his torch and applies heat to the hub. His assistant taps on the shaft end with a hammer repeatedly. After 45 minutes he packs up and goes home. Props still securely on the shafts.
  20. PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    Sorry to hear about that.

    Concerned that your next steps are to either drop the rudders and pull the shaft or even cut the shaft. Then replace with new, as the prop taper is probably shot with all the effort to remove the prop.