[kriswd40]

I was somewhat far off shore taking a ride last weekend when I suddenly heard a thud. Turns out there was a narrow shallow strip in one section of the lake that I didn't know about and I hit a log or rock or something with the propeller. The damage to the propeller isn't that bad but enough that I will be swapping the spare on and getting the damaged one repaired.

I have a 2001 Diablo with a Mercury 4.3 liter inboard engine. I know there isn't a sheer pin but is there anything else I need to adjust after hitting something besides simply replacing the prop? I assume there has to be some kind of system in place to prevent damage to the drive shaft from occurring.

[mikeyt]

The props are installed with rubber hubs that are designed to slip if the prop hits a submerged object. This is supposed to prevent damage further up the drive line & gearing but if the impact was severe then its possible additional damage was done. At this point i would replace the prop, put it back in the water and test it out. If there is a vibration or clunking/grinding noise from the outdrive then further investigation will be needed.

[Kitto]

I dinged something, most likely a rock, a few years ago with a stainless prop and it bent the prop shaft. Once you get the replacement prop on, you might spin it to see if it is out. Mine was, and caused plenty of vibration at higher speeds. On the other hand, not a thing wrong with the prop. Good luck.

[kriswd40]

I got the new prop and went to replace it but the prop nut seems to be stripped.

Any idea where I can order one of these online? I'd like to get both a replacement nut and also a full kit that includes the nut and the rubber hub / center piece that goes into the prop? I don't know what model / part number I'm looking for. I ordered one from Amazon.com but it didn't fit

[mikeyt]

Sterndrives.com should have whatever part u need as well as iboats.com. Here's a link to the iboats.com parts view for the Alpha 1, Gen 2 lower gearcase assembly including the part #'s. Are u sure its the prop nut that's stripped and not the prop shaft? It's not difficult to run a tap thru the nut & fix the threads.

[kriswd40]

I think it's the nut. I don't have a tap though nor am I familiar with how to do that.

I think I found and ordered the nut I need, so hopefully that works. Thanks.