New Hunter Owner

[1978_27_Hunter_used]

I bought my Hunter in '07 and I just recently got the engine going, then I beached it and found out i have a 3 blade prop and very lose from side to side and from bow to stern my queston is....How much play is there for my prop, and what size should it be? I have one more question too....Recently after i got the engine started about 3 days after the impeller went out how do i change it?

 

[David in Sandusky]

Some answers

Play of the shaft. If it's 1/8 inch side to side, then you need a new cutlass bearing. Fore and aft - I don't know. I would want to have a look at the coupling aft of the engine before getting concerned.

Prop size - the original was 2 bladed with a diameter of 12 inches, and a pitch around 9 inches. I wouldn't worry about the prop until you know how fast the engine and prop will drive the boat, and how the engine behaves on the top end.

If I weren't getting any vibration, and engine will drive the boat at 5 knots, then I would focus elsewhere for a while.

The impellor is behind a plate held down by screws at the lower front of the engine. I'd search the archives here, or better yet buy the book on diesel maintenance on this site for a procedure on how to change it - it's an easy job!

Good luck - you have a great cruising boat!

 

[1978_27_Hunter_used]

Hey david Thank you for your reply, But I think i wasn't clear. My prop has play not the shaft....The impeller i just change it without removing the pump housing? Thank you

Play of the shaft. If it's 1/8 inch side to side, then you need a new cutlass bearing. Fore and aft - I don't know. I would want to have a look at the coupling aft of the engine before getting concerned.

Prop size - the original was 2 bladed with a diameter of 12 inches, and a pitch around 9 inches. I wouldn't worry about the prop until you know how fast the engine and prop will drive the boat, and how the engine behaves on the top end.

If I weren't getting any vibration, and engine will drive the boat at 5 knots, then I would focus elsewhere for a while.

The impellor is behind a plate held down by screws at the lower front of the engine. I'd search the archives here, or better yet buy the book on diesel maintenance on this site for a procedure on how to change it - it's an easy job!

Good luck - you have a great cruising boat!

 

[David in Sandusky]

Snug fit

Your prop has to fit snug. Either the nuts are loose, or the prop is not matched to the shaft. If the latter, you need a new prop. For the former, you should just be able to tighten the nuts.