Propeller Removal/Installation; Removal; Installation - Mercury 40 Service Manual

After initial propeller installation, the following
3.
common conditions may require that the propel-
ler be changed to a lower pitch:
Warmer weather and great humidity will
a.
cause an RPM loss.
Operating in a higher elevation causes an
b.
RPM loss.
Operating with a damaged propeller or a dirty
c.
boat bottom or gear housing will cause an
RPM loss.
Operation with an increased load (additional
d.
passengers, equipment, pulling skiers, etc.).
Propeller
Removal/Installation

Removal

1. Shift outboard to neutral (N) position.
2. Remove the spark plug leads to prevent engine
from starting.
3. Straighten the bent tabs on the propeller nut re-
tainer.
4. Place a block of wood between gear case and
propeller to hold propeller and remove propeller
nut.
90-852572R1 JANUARY 1998
5. Pull propeller straight off shaft. If propeller is
seized to the shaft and cannot be removed, have
the propeller removed by an authorized dealer.

Installation

WARNING
If the propeller shaft is rotated while the engine
is in gear, there is the possibility that the engine
will crank over and start. To prevent this type of
accidental engine starting and possible serious
injury caused from being struck by a rotating pro-
peller, always shift outboard to neutral position
and remove spark plug leads when you are serv-
icing the propeller.
CAUTION
If the propeller moves forward-and-aft on the pro-
peller shaft (is loose), re-tighten the propeller
nut. Operation with a loose propeller could cause
damage to the thrust hub and gear housing dur-
ing acceleration, deceleration or when shifting
gears.
To assure that the propeller remains
IMPORTANT:
secure on the shaft during the season, periodi-
cally check propeller shaft nut for tightness.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - 1C-5