Replacing The Propeller - Mercury 300 XS OptiMax Manual

Replacing the Propeller

Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Never operate the boat
out of the water with a propeller installed. Before installing or removing a
propeller, place the drive unit in neutral and engage the lanyard stop switch
to prevent the engine from starting. Place a block of wood between the
propeller blade and the anti‑ventilation plate.
REMOVING THE PROPELLER
NOTE: If propeller is seized to the shaft and cannot be removed, consult your
authorized Mercury dealer.
1. Shift the outboard to neutral.
2. Remove the keys from the ignition and engage the safety stop switch.
3. Straighten the bent tabs on the propeller nut retainer (if applicable).
4. Place a block of wood between the gearcase and the propeller to hold the
propeller and remove the propeller nut.
5. Remove the propeller and associated hardware from the propeller shaft.
INSTALLING THE PROPELLER
Operating the engine with the wrong propeller installed can limit power,
increase fuel consumption, overheat the engine, or cause internal powerhead
damage. Choose a propeller that allows the engine to operate at the
specified wide open throttle RPM.
Mercury Racing applications use 19‑spline propeller shafts and require
installation of the Heavy‑Duty Propeller Hub kit, included with most Mercury
Racing propellers.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
!
NOTICE
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