Surfriding Best impeller thread protection method

[McDog]

Recently had to get a freshwater prop cut off a driveshaft because of a very small area on one thread galling. Saved the driveshaft luckily but the prop was a goner. I used tons of antiseize on it before installing it to no avail. I heard an idea of using threadlocker on it next time because it "seals" the threads better. Following that same logic I thought that case sealant like hondabond would work the same way.

What do you think? Favorite methods? What has failed? What worked great?

 

[Big Kahuna]

I have heard of using threadlocker, but that scares me. I have used Antisieze and also clear silicone grease.


But, I always use a 5-6' cheater bar on the spline tool when removing.......

 

[zimmy]

Grease works pretty well for salt water use.

 

[yamanube]

How long was the impeller on the shaft? I feel that removing your impeller once a year and re-applying anti-seize is a part of regular maintenance.

 

[BruceSki]

Mcdog was that a skat shaft? I had one do the same two seasons ago. Skat shaft. It's made like shat. Cheap stainless.

I sent it to them and had them cut the prop off then remove the damaged thread on the lathe. Cost me $300 to ruin a prop. They questioned my install and type of grease used.

I use the red and tacky style marine grease. They said it should have had anti seize. My guess is the "good stainless" prop reacts with the crap stainless shaft and they fuse together at the threads. Since this issue I have started pulling the prop off every season to clean and regrease threads.

I've pulled some of the crustiest looking props off of untouched 20 year old salty boats that haven't had a bit of maintenance and they come right off with heat. That leaves something to be said about oem quality shafts.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Red and tacky has anti seize in it but it does seem to "wash out" over time.

I had a Skat shaft gall onto a brand new impeller minutes after I removed both from the box. Both were brand new from Skat and they trashed both the impeller and shaft trying to separate them. They sent me a new shaft and impeller on warranty, no questions asked. Makes you kind of wonder when they eat a grand without asking any questions. Sounds to me like they are well aware of the issue.

I had Jetmaniac make me up a custom Setback shaft in case this ever happened again but it's been good the last couple times I had it apart. I used a ton of anti seize any time I have it apart now.

 

[McDog]

Pretty sure it was oem shaft but my memory is horrible. It was on there for four years so maybe that's it.

 

[kevbo]

Recently had to get a freshwater prop cut off a driveshaft because of a very small area on one thread galling. Saved the driveshaft luckily but the prop was a goner. I used tons of antiseize on it before installing it to no avail. I heard an idea of using threadlocker on it next time because it "seals" the threads better. Following that same logic I thought that case sealant like hondabond would work the same way.

What do you think? Favorite methods? What has failed? What worked great?

Use teflon pipe thread sealant in the threads and more importantly, use rtv on the nose cone and shaft. All the metal cones must be sealed or else they are just there for looks.

 

[Sanoman]

Use teflon pipe thread sealant in the threads and more importantly, use rtv on the nose cone and shaft. All the metal cones must be sealed or else they are just there for looks.

Never heard of using Teflon before,but interesting. l had to fight a prop off a few months ago that been on there for around a year.Mostly fresh water,but 4-5 times to the surf.Used red-n-tacky on mine too Boyer.And l've used anti seize before too with some slight problems with removal on props.This is interesting,would like to hear more opinions!

 

[Freakrider]

Teflon tape thought of it too but wondered if it would last ? Kevbo, have you used this alot ? Longevity ?

 

[OCD Solutions]

What kind of antisieze are you all using? I seem to have much better luck with the silver stuff than the copper.

 

[Sanoman]

The silver.Never used the copper.

 

[wanderer1]

I know we all use different things, really like Kevbos post. I've been using Mobil 1 synthetic wheel bearing grease on my threads/impellers and feel its been working well. Removal is standard warm with torch and I use a vise. Might work well for others idk.

 

[McDog]

Silver for me too. No one has commented on my case sealant idea. I think it's viable and worth a try.

 

[OCD Solutions]

I was going to suggest Threebond as well but that stuff is actually pretty flimsy. You may need an RTV silicone to stand up to the stresses of water flow across the front of the impeller.

 

[Sanoman]

Are you saying something like 1211?

 

[TheBuzzard]

so much drama! just put never sieze/ anti sieze, the gray stuff on there and be done with it. that stuff never washes out. get it on your cloths and its there forever. put that stuff on every nut and bolt that you ever plan on loosening again.

 

[McDog]

Alright buzz. I did that and it failed. What else ya got?

Sano.....yes.

 

[amitchell]

this is what I use

http://www.neverseezproducts.com/marine.htm

 

[McDog]

Now we're talking.