Prop inspection and service

First I will admit it's been a few years since I've done this, yea I know that's not good but I don't think there is an issue. Do you guys always use a torque wrench on yours?? Or do you just get it tight to line up with Castle nut or keeper pin hole? Other than inspection of fishing line and preventing the prop from seizing to the shaft how can you tell if the seal is ok? I assume not seeing any gear lube would be rule number one but are there any other signs to look for other than that?

Should have said Prop and shaft inspection on post heading..

Here's a bump, as I would like to see some replies to this question, as well.

112 views and nothing, lol.....Oh well I got it just wanted some input and thoughts...

I have the same questions especially about using a torque wrench. My boat mechanic checks it once a year but if its something I can do at home I want to do it more frequently. Nothing like pulling the boat out of the water to find 50 feet of mono coming from the prop shaft.

[QUOTE=twise7;512797]I have the same questions especially about using a torque wrench. My boat mechanic checks it once a year but if its something I can do at home I want to do it more frequently. Nothing like pulling the boat out of the water to find 50 feet of mono coming from the prop shaft.[/QUOTE]

I did mine last evening. The book on mine says 40.6 foot pounds of torque or slightly more. I had to go slightly more to get the Cotter pin hole to line up with the Nut slots. I have been told and believe that a little more without being excessive is the way to go. I found nada and I re-greased everything and put back, good piece of mind after inspecting....

I don't own a torque wrench. I just tighten the prop nut down to where the cotter pin lines up to the same place as when I removed the prop.
:confused:

you won't always see any oil leakage, I had water get in my lower unit and caused it to lock up tight. had to replace it. now if mine sit for a while like for a couple bad winter months. I'll loosen the drain plug to see if any water comes out. and I change it once a year. remove prop and clean good, smear a little grease on shaft. replace prop and torque at 50 ft lb. " Mercury engine "

Go to BBC and ask over there.

[QUOTE=Tyme2fish;512804]I don't own a torque wrench. I just tighten the prop nut down to where the cotter pin lines up to the same place as when I removed the prop.
:confused:[/QUOTE]

I agree with this statement. Probally not correct but has always worked for me?