prop removal

I have a new ACME 470 prop I need to install. I'm curious if I will have to remove the rudder to have enough clearence for the puller. It looks like that if I used a prop puller I might have clearence but if I use a gear puller the center shaft may hit the rudder. I have acces to several styles of gear pullers and I would like to use it verses buying a prop puller for eighty bucks to use once.

And no I did not buy the prop through anyone that I could borrow a puller from to use, so that option is out of the question.

Shop around, I got one for $64.

I bet you could rent one for 20.00 at higgins or maybe griffth's. macy's or that place where the old presion marine might help.
the only guy I know is dan at griffth's he's always been decent to me.

79 Nautique,

I was faced with the same situation you are and it made me cringe to go out and spend that kind of money for a one time use.

I purchased a small three arm gear puller from Advanced Auto Parts for $20 and took the long center screw out. I then went to the local hardware store and purchased a 70mm x 2.5" replacement center screw and ground the tip to a shallow point with my bench grinder.

Result: 30 min. labor and less than $25 in parts created a great prop puller.

Note: Remember to tap on the head of the center puller bolt very lightly while tightening and it should pop right off. Also, leave your prop nut on but loose in order to prevent the whole assembly from hitting the ground when the prop pops off.

I bought a puller, used it once. If you want to borrow it, just pay for shipping and I'll let you borrow mine.