Removing SidePower Props

[BB marine]

I want to remove my props from the thrusters. I'm priming and painting the thruster gear housings and thought I would remove the props put bottom paint on them. It is also recommended to grease the shaft. When I tried to loosen the nuts they would not move . Are they right hand thread? How much force can be applied without breaking the prop? Any tricks to breaking the nuts loose without damaging the props?
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE

 

[Brian B]

The nuts should come off counter clockwise, they are nylon locking nuts. Soak them with some PB Blaster or something similar for a day. Wedge the prop with a piece of wood and hope for the best, they are plastic. When you get the nut off you will probably have trouble getting the prop off also. From the opposite side use a piece of wood and a hammer with the wood on the edge of the prop hub tap the wood working around the hub and the prop will pop off. Grease the prop shaft before reinstalling and they will be easier to remove next time. Do not get paint on the shaft. Plumbers sink wrench is great for removing the zincs.
Hope this helps

 

[BB marine]

Thanks for the information. I will make up a few wood shims and try to break the nuts loose. They are really tight . I was afraid I was going to break the props.
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE