Prop Boss Grease

Oct 30, 2019
574
I just finished rebuilding the combi and stuffing box. Let me say that getting the prop back
in was difficult. It came right out, but it took some work to re-seat. When the prop came
out, the forward pin unseated prior to the last lock ring dropping out. Since I didn't know
how many rings there should be, I assumed it was only the three that came out with the
prop. After about an hour of coaxing, I stuck my finger in the housing and something didn't
feel right. So, I eased out the 4th ring, then re-inserted the prop. Even then, with the
keyway lined up, it did not slide right in and it took quite a bit of turning to tighten the
forward lock nut.

Now that it is back together, can anyone tell me if I need to add grease to the prop boss? If
so, how? Do I need to remove something to add the grease?

Thanks,
JH
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi

The prop boss has to be completely filled with grease, Combi about 2/3 full of grease.

Once you have reconnected everything operate the controls and pump more grease into the prop boss until it starts to leak out around teh base of the prop blades, operate lever again a few times and put more grease in until it leaks again around the base of the prop blades.

Cheers

SB
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Steve,
Thanks for the prompt reply.

There isn't a grease fitting on the prop boss. How do I pump the grease into it? Do I need
to add a grease fitting somewhere? Or can it be pumped directly in to one of the little
holes on the boss? I don't suppose you have a photo of it that you can send me?

Thanks,
JH
 
Aug 31, 2007
27
Hi JH,

I have added two photos of my prop. The first one with a 1/8" plug
fitted instead of the original screw. Much easier to replace with a
grease nipple, but as you can see from the second photo, there is not
room for the plug under the zinc anode - so back went the original
screw :-(
Be careful with the grease gun, it can supply a very high pressure.
As soon as you feel some resistance and/or grease is coming out
around the blades, slow down. Grease the prop every year.

Grease nipple is 1/8" pipe thread - I found one in a shop with spare
parts for tractors and combined harvestors :)

Cheers Ulf
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Ulf and Steve,
Thanks for the information. I'll take a look tomorrow when I'm at the boat. With all the
time I spent looking at it over the past week (rehabilitating the combi), you'd think I would
have noticed it.

I'll be careful with the grease.
Take care,
JH
 
Nov 11, 2016
96
Nimble Arctic Toronto
Hey J, I wonder if you could elaborate somewhat on (a) how you
removed the aft half of prop boss from the inner shaft; and, (b)
what lock rings you are referring to below.

You see, my combi is stuck half in and half out. If I can remove
the aft half of the prop boss from the inner shaft, I am hoping to
pull the whole assembly forward into the cabin as I have removed my
motor.

Thanks, Trev (v2915)

PS when greasing use good heavy marine-grade grease.
 
Oct 30, 2019
574
Trev,
I never did remove the prop boss. I was able to release the prop from the combi at the
forward end. Then, I could slide the entire prop aft and out of the boat. The rings are
located at the for end of the shaft inside, where the shaft enters the engine. There are
four rings and a key. I believe the instructions refer to them when they say to take several
forceful whacks on the prop boss to release the lock rings. The combi itself came apart
quite easy.

Good luck.
JH