[C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather

[Allan S Field]

Excellent suggestion with keeping the nut loose on the end of the prop.  When we lit up the prop with the MAP torch and had the prop puller under full pressure, the prop sprung loose like it was shot off the end of the shaft.  Fortunately, no damage done.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick Sulewski
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 4:17 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather

I pulled the prop and replaced the cutlass early in November using the Association tool loan program. The prop had to be coaxed off with some raps on the hub after applying all the pressure the puller would allow while having to pull the wrench while pushing the prop blade to get everything as tight as my gloved hands could endure. Striking the hub as not successful, but leaving the boat for a few minutes did the trick as the prop just popped off the taper a few minutes later. On tip I learned in researching prop puller approaches to ensure that everything stays put when the prop is released is to always keep the prop nut at the end of the shaft so the prop & puller are not damaged by falling off the shaft or jammed against the rudder when the pressure finally frees the prop Rick My-Ria hull #277 .

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of pat reynolds
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 2:39 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather

Just curious.  When do you prop pullers take your boats out for the winter?  Ours come out in October and prop pulling is a little warmer then.




________________________________
 From: Allan S Field <allan.field at verizon.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 9:36 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather
 
When we used the MAP torch, we were changing out the cutlass at the same time so I can't answer that potential concern.  My memory is that we were heating the hub of the prop and simultaneously applying pressure with the prop puller. Maybe Jeff Hare can weigh in on this as I believe it was Jeff who gave me the MAP torch idea.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of fred.lecuyer at live.com
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 8:42 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather

Thanks Allen. Any need to worry about heat deforming the cutlass bearing?

Fred

Sent from my HTC Inspire™ 4G on AT&T

----- Reply message -----
From: "Allan S Field" <allan.field at verizon.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather
Date: Sun, Dec 30, 2012 8:22 am


Fred - More heat should work.  My experience is that it generally will take a MAP torch to get enough heat on the prop to break it loose.  The MAP applies about 3 times the heat of a propane torch.  The Association prop puller tool also would be very helpful and we supply an adjustable crescent wrench with the tool!  The prop puller is out on loan currently but should be available soon.  The form for requesting the puller is on the website.  I obviously can't ship a MAP cylinder however.

Allan S. Field - C320 Toolbox Custodian
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Fred LEcuyer
Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2012 5:09 PM
To: Catalina320list Catalina320list
Subject: [C320-list] Changing the prop in cold weather

Maybe one of you has done this before and has some words of wisdom.

I've gotten a three blade prop to replace the original two blade and decided that, as the weather was about 38 degrees F here, today would be a good day to do a job on the boat ;>)

Here's what I did:
STEP 1.     Sprayed PB Blaster in the area of concern and let it sit for about 10 minutes. 
STEP 2.     Fiddled with the wrenches that I had and found only the vise grip was large enough to get around the first nut.
STEP 3.    Heated the first nut with a propane torch for a few minutes.....
not enough to make it glow and Rudolph was on vacation anyway, so no help there.
STEP 4.   Applied the vise grip on the outer nut and (yes, I admit it) a pipe wrench on the inner nut.
STEP 5.  Tapped the vise grips with a hammer while holding the pipe wrench as steady as possible.
STEP 6.   Grimaced. (Did I mention that I had shoulder 12 months ago and now the other shoulder is jealous?) STEP 7.   Cursed and told myself I either need better wrenches, more heat or ...... a yet bigger yard bill.


At this point I like to hear from anyone about what size wrenches I need and any other tips on doing what I thought was going to be a simple job.

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Fred
First Light
Hull 926