Prop nut -- how to tighten?

Question

I have a 25 hp 1984 johnson. the prop has no thrust washer. the prop attaches through a 13 spline shaft with a nut and cotter pin. No when i spin the nut on the hole in the nut must line up with the shaft hole. It allows a 180 Degree turns only. Now if the nut and shaft dont line up is it better to loosen or tighten to get the cotter pin through?

Answer 1

There is a washer behind the nut tighten then back of to put cutter key in>Sound like you have the wrong nut acc>

Answer 2

Check the specs for your engine and prop.  Torque wrench the prop nut to ? flbs.  then back off to set cotter pin.  It is best to tighten it if you can to set the cotter pin, but that is not always possible.  Usually torqued between 50-70 flbs. Lock the prop from spinning with a block of wood.   Good Luck.

Answer 3

While it's imposible for me to know since I havn't seen it exactly, I would guess you should have the prop snug, as in, tighter is better than looser. This is assuming the prop doesn't slide across any surface on the back, rather it is entirely attached to the shaft and the shaft has it's own bearing in which it spins.

Answer 4

if you can, tighten it slightly for the line-up.  don't bear down on it though.  if not, it's okay to back it off a little.  the slack won't hurt anything.