propeller play

[dale]

I have a 1954 CD-11 5.5 HP Johnson that has about an 1/8" play of the propeller sliding up and down the prop shaft. Should I be concerned about this? If so, what is the best method of eliminating this play?

[frankr]

So, you are telling us that the prop slides on the prop shaft? The only way it could do that is if the drive (shear) pin is a loose fit in the prop or prop shaft or both. Pop the rubber cover off the end of the prop for a looksee. Probably a badly worn pin or wrong pin.

OR..if the shaft is sliding in and out of the gearcase, that is a different matter. Some movement is normal, a eighth of an inch is suspicious. Several things can cause that, including missing thrust washers, badly worn front thrust bearing, worn spline ends on shaft. You would have to go in for a look.

[dale]

Thanks. I popped the rubber cover and it appears both the shear pin size, (slides too easily thru the shaft hole), and the holes in the prop are at fault. The holes in the prop are a bit elongated. I’ll have to buy or fashion a larger shear pin and also try to build up the holes in the prop.

Dale

[Casey Lynn]

Do yourself a favor and buy two shear pins and cotter pins. Put the spares in something you always carry with you.

[weedlessdrive]

Pappy is onto something , then keep your eyes peeled for a scrap motor to get a spare lower unit and swap it out.
I’m not sure how common the 54 lower unit is compared to later 50s and 60s motors. Someone else here may be able to tell you if other years models have same lower unit so you know what to look for.
Frank is on track to fix it right and be done with it for good.
Sounds fixable just depends on if you want to go inside it or not. Either way you are going to be down a few hours if you fix it.

[retiredoz]

book says CD10-12A share the same complete gearcase.

[Author]

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