prop nut torque

[cojab]

How tight should the prop nut be?

I was working on my boat today (with Merc 90 on it) and the prop had a little play in it. I loosened the lock washer and tightened the nut down just to where there wasn't any play in it. Is this correct? I basically tightened it like I would a wheel bearing.

[Mike Cork]

I smoke mine pretty good. My uses just a lock nut. No cotter pins anymore, so I make sure it's not going to back off.

With a lock washer and cotter pin, just enough to take out play and then tighten to line up your locking device is good.

[cojab]

Perfect.
Thanks Mike.

[Mike Cork]

No problem

[cojab]

A quick follow up question to help me understand what I'm working on.
I've never pulled a prop off an outboard. Does the prop sit on a bearing of any kind or does the nut just lock it on a keyed shaft?

[Mike Cork]

It's just a shaft. The bearings are on the shaft it's self.

When you pull the prop, you'll have locking tab, nut and washers OR a self locking nut and washers. There is nothing behind the prop it's self. No seals or bearings to deal with.