P
ROPELLER
I
NSTALLATION
The
proper procedure regarding the installation of marine propellers is detailed here for
the benefit of dealers, service people, and customers alike. This is to insure proper
installation in accordance with the A.B.Y.C. and good industry practice.
A. Inspect propeller for shipping damage when removing from box. If the box is damaged, check
the propeller carefully.
B. Clean any burrs, tape residue, or any other foreign material from the propeller end of the
shaft, and key seat.
C. Carefully slide the propeller onto the shaft as far as it will go
without the key installed.
Mark
the shaft with a pencil. Check the fit of the taper by attempting to rock the propeller while tight
on the shaft. No rocking should occur.
D. Carefully remove the propeller and set aside. Fit the key into the key seat on the shaft and
within the propeller hub with a fine mill file or fine Emory on a flat surface. File only the key.
The key seat width may vary from nominal to minus .001” (n .000/-. 001”). In good
practice this means that the key seat width in the propeller can vary from the key seat width
in the shaft by as much as .001”. The key must be filed (lengthwise) to achieve a good fit for
each key seat. A good fit has been achieved when the key can be slid into position with no
slack in the key seat, and with no hammering. A key that is too tight or too loose can damage
the shaft or propeller hub, or both.
Proper Method of Propeller Shaft Key Stock Installation.
The A.B.Y.C. and the S.A.E. standards specify an allowable tolerance in key seat width for 1
½” and 1 ¾” diameter shafts of nominal to minus .001 (n001”/-. 001”). The following
table lists allowance minimum and maximum key seat widths for each shaft size.
Shaft Size
Maximum Key Seat Width
Minimum Key Seat Width
Note: If Rocking occurs, contact Luhrs / Mainship Corporation customer
service for corrective action.
Total Task Time:
N/A
31-Open
Rigging Manual
Page:
6 of 15
