Prop service/engine lube

[Fab1]

Hi guys as you are aware the other night I ran over a few lines on my way back to the ramp and as always I thought I better remove the prop today to check for line wrapped around the shaft that can destroy oil seals if left alone.

For those of you with limited mechanical skills this is a very easy job and can prevent headaches in the future.

My prop is held on by a castellated nut and split pin.Here i'm removing the split pin with side cutters-

Here I've wedged a block of wood in between the anti cavitation plate and the prop to prevent the prop turning while breaking the nut loose using a socket and t bar-

Now you can slide the prop of the shaft exposing the thrust washer I'm pointing at-

Under this thrust washer lives the lower units seal that prevents gear oil being lost and water getting in to the gear case.This seal i'm pointing to can be destroyed by fishing line wrapped around the shaft allowing water intrusion into the gear case (Not good)-

Mine was free of line this time but being one to never miss an opportunity I cleaned everything up and greased everything using a good quality marine grease and reinstalled the prop-

While I had the grease gun out I lubed all grease nipples,cables and outboard clamps for good measure-

This simple job will prevent headaches for yourself or your mechanic in the future not to mention the money you'll save.I believe it's good practice to remove your prop each and every time you suspect or have run over fishing line.

Some of the products I use-

[big Neil]

That's a well explained process, complete with pictures. Good onya Fabian for taking the time to do it. Cheers.

[Fab1]

No worries mate,I'm sure i'm not the only one running over a few lines at this time of year.It's true what they say,prevention is better than cure.

Cheers.