R-29 Perry nut loosening

[Tugbuyer]

The perry nut on my prop zinc has come loose more than once, most recently coming completely off and ejecting the prop zinc. I have never grounded the prop, nor am I experiencing any unusual drive train vibration. Is anyone else having this issue?

Dan

 

[wthron]

Install prop shaft zinc with a Hex Head Bolt....larger contact area I believe improves it's durability. Factory will happily assist you with this situation. My prop shaft zinc flew off and replacement zinc came with a Hex Head Bolt. Good luck.
Wayne

 

[knotflying]

This seems to be a common occurrence. I think as the zinc gets used the fit loosens and then unless attended to you lose it. I check mine regularly. I don't know if this is a good way to go, but when I see it getting loose I remove it and place a copper penny on two sides of the shaft nut to make up the slack caused by the loss of zinc volume.

 

[gerlots]

A small dab of locktite may do it.

 

[Brian B]

Boatzincs.com sells this product, Vibratite, just for this issue. I used it last Spring on my prop zinc and haven't had a problem.
http://www.boatzincs.com/vibratite-specs.html
This is also a good company to purchase all your boat and engine zincs from.

 

[knotflying]

I have found that the problem isn't really the hex nut loosening, but the zinc shrinking. I have used the blue locktite material and it holds well. However when the zinc loses mass it then becomes sloppy on the shaft nut and the screw also loses contact with it. That is why I check it monthly and I have found the need to shim it with the two pennies I mentioned earlier. Just adding my two cents. :lol:

 

[bbrh842]

My experience same as Knotflying. My solution is to use a fender washer and a couple of lock washers between the bolt and zinc to take up the slack as the zinc corrodes.

 

[Tugbuyer]

Appreciate the responses. I suspect he already does this, but I'll make sure my hull cleaner/diver re-tightens (adding washers/spacers as necessary) the zinc every month along w/routine bottom cleaning.

Dan