Which Hub Kit? Merc Opti 200

[DrData]

Bi-Annual maintenance:

When I removed the prop I found a cracked hub (one corner is cracked) . I am running a Trophy Plus SS 4 blade looks like a Torq II. It did not have the bushing that seems to be an option.

When I order a new kit should I order one with the bushing?

Thoughts experiences?

In either case what is the torq setting 55 or 100 pounds? I have seen both recommended.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Not sure what year your motor is, here is the page from a 2007 200 Opti owners manual, showing 55 ft.lbs.
http://www.mertenmarine.com/servlet/the-Flo-dsh-Torq-Reference-Chart/Categories
HRG

[John in Mn]

Are you talking about that brass thrust bushing? Typically don't need to replace that.

[staylor]

...when running Trophy or Tempest. This is the one with the plastic insert that goes into the hub to expand the FloTorque liner. This is in addition to the normal brass thrust washer. The torque for this was changed several years ago to 100 ft-lbs, as the previous 55 ft-lbs shown in the manual was not enough- the hubs would loosen and vibrations would set in. In worst cases, the hub would fail altogether- or even melt due to loose hubs combined with the Opti's very hot exhaust. You can get by with the low perf one piece hubs, but why take the risk.
Doug

[DrData]

Staylor I appreciate that you nailed it on the plastic bushing....

I found it curious that both versions with and without the bushing are listed on the merc site for a 2000 year opti 200 hp....

your right 10-12$ more is not significant just wanted to ensure I had it right! To me it makes perfect sense to add the bushing and take out the potential play.

I asked my nearby merc dealer mechanic and the same question and stumped him .... :banghead: so I appreciate the input

[Hot Runr Guy]

...when running Trophy or Tempest. This is the one with the plastic insert that goes into the hub to expand the FloTorque liner. This is in addition to the normal brass thrust washer. The torque for this was changed several years ago to 100 ft-lbs, as the previous 55 ft-lbs shown in the manual was not enough- the hubs would loosen and vibrations would set in. In worst cases, the hub would fail altogether- or even melt due to loose hubs combined with the Opti's very hot exhaust. You can get by with the low perf one piece hubs, but why take the risk.
Doug

Staylor, do you mean the #835257K6 Kit?
Thanks, HRG

[staylor]

You can see the extra insert on the far right. It's actually a slight press fit to the plastic hub, and I've had the best install by very lightly greasing the insert and driving it in about half way by gently tapping with a rubber mallet. When you add the brass washer and torque the prop in place on the propshaft the wrench torque pushes it in the rest of the way. The 100 ft lbs setting will bottom the bushing, the old 55 ft lbs setting would not- and you had to retorque the prop several times after running the boat before everything was tight. I also grease the entire face and ridge on the bushing side of the brass washer since I've seen some wear occurring on props that are run surfacing- where the centerline of the prop shaft is above or less than 3 inches below the boats bottom. To torque a Trophy Plus to 100 ft lbs I use a 2x4 section and a 1x4 stacked under the cav plate to jam the prop in place. The 2x4 is faced with one layer of leather from an old belt to protect the prop edges. For the larger diameter Tempest Plus I just use the 2x4 and skip the extra 1x4. You probably don't need the leather with a stock prop, but all of mine are worked and have fairly sharp edges. So many props......so little time.
Doug