Installing Propellor

I just put on my new Acme 540 and can't get it far enough up the shaft to get the cotter in. I am using all of my strength to tighten down the nut without stripping it. Anyone got a suggestion other than for me to get some more muscle?

Do you think that it could be the alignment of the woodruff key holding the prop back? I have about an inch between my prop and the mount that holds the drive shaft, i tried finding out the real name of it but failed.

Not sure how your prop shaft is cut for the key but mine has the keyway rounded on the end closest to the prop strut. You have to be careful if you're putting the key in while sliding the prop on and not letting the key slide toward the front (strut) because the front edge of it will raise and not allow the prop to seat fully. Put the prop on and then slide the key into the keyway. If the key doesn't fit, you might have to lightly file or sand it so it just fits.

Pete is right, try it without the key to make sure that the prop itself fits. Then put the key in. You don't have to worry about stripping that nut. If you can that, Metropolis and Lois Lane are trying to find you. That doesn't have to be that tight anyway. The castle nut is just snugged up.

Ken, YES the lub or anti seeze WILL hurt. The taper on the shaft and prop transmit the torque from the engine to the prop. Don't do it because you will probably shear the key and mess up the shaft and prop. The tight fit is why they make prop pullers.

wakeboardin2k4 wrote:    I have about an inch between my prop and the mount that holds the drive shaft, i tried finding out the real name of it but failed.

btw- that thing that holds the prop shaft in place is called a strut.