[Angela Clark]

The propeller is a critical – yet often overlooked – part of virtually every boat you’ll ever encounter. After all, it’s the part of the propulsion system that turns the engine’s rotational motion into thrust, and it is the only component you can easily change that will modify the effective gear ratio of the system. Boaters choose to change propellers for a variety of reasons. No matter what kind of boat you drive, aspects such as changing water conditions, performance issues or an unplanned (and embarrassing) “depth check” can compel you to seek a new prop.

[ben-abuya]

Fortunately, swapping out a propeller is far easier and faster than changing a flat tire on your car. All it takes is a few simple tools and the ability to follow the basic procedure outlined in this short yet detailed video. The steps are simple and intuitive. All you need to do is:

[linksnappy]

Intimidated or confused? Don’t be: the video at the base of this article clearly shows you how to perform each step.

[jon_smark]

Re: Mercruiser 165 6 Cyl. Good, Bad, Okay?

[esop]

I had a 165 for about 8 years and yes, they are quite reliable. The only thing to make sure is that the manifold water reversing kit is installed. If it doesn't then put it on before the manifold gets cracked, particularly if you plan on doing any water sports (skiing, tubing ect). Another thing I would recommend is the put electronic ignition on it. Points were ok in their day, but. go electronic. And last but by no means least, and this applies to all I/Os, is the exhaust elbow. They have a lifespan of about 5-7 years and when they fail, they fill cylinders with water Replace it when you buy the boat, it's cheap insurance, and go genuine, the after-market ones last about half the time.

[cbrendanjarvisi]

Re: Mercruiser 165 6 Cyl. Good, Bad, Okay?

[HariposterAA]

Lubricate the shaft with waterproof grease. Slide the thick bronze thrust washer, propeller, bronze drive sleeve and lock ring onto the shaft. Screw on the 1 1/16-inch nut.

[jayrod]

Place a block of wood between the propeller blade and the cavitation plate, then remove the nut with the 1 1/16-inch wrench by turning the nut counterclockwise. here

[lightbox]

Removing a propeller from a Mercruiser outdrive is not difficult; it can be accomplished with just a few tools. However, it is important to immobilize the engine so there is no chance it will start during this procedure.

[lillykira]

Tilt the outdrive up as far as possible. Pull the coil wire to disable the ignition. Bend the three tabs on the lock ring behind the nut so that they are straight and do not interfere with the removal of the nut.

[johnriderjr0]

Remove the lock ring and the bronze drive sleeve. Remove the propeller and the thick bronze thrust washer behind it.

[nanaimogold]

Tighten the nut to 52 foot-pounds of torque. Bend the tabs on the lock ring behind the nut to prevent the nut from coming loose. Push the coil wire back on. [links]

[Maxalu]

Re: Mercruiser 165 4 cyl. Outdrive won't go in [links]

[Jeniferleona]

Sounds like you are up against the orings on the splined shaft. Did you put some grease on the orings? Sometimes with new orings, it requires a bit of persuasion. Usually a kick on the back of the drive does the job. Assuming the alignment is correct.
Now you see why you need to check the alignment.

[jiji]

fwiw,
i'll add the drive must be very straight with the bell housing/gimble housing for it to enter all the way.
-this year, mine stopped short of going on all the way too. turned out to be the shift shaft coupler (even though both drive and helm were in fwd.). from memory, the shift shaft in the bell housing was just a little off and jamming with -the corner of the intermediate shift shaft in the upper. just a little turn by hand to straighten it out and it slid right on.
-i install my drive w/o a prop on. i have a flo torque II prop. i use the inner sleeve that's splined to the prop shaft to turn the prop shaft with a crescent wrench. i find that w/o the prop there. i am less likely to bump the prop cw and thus disengaging fwd on the lower. i also have more control, and leverage w/ the wrench when i turn the prop shaft ccw only to engage the spines in the coupler.
-be sure the shift slide is going straight into the slot on the upper. if tilted, it can prevent assembly also. [links]

[lisabeern]

Re: Mercruiser 165 4 cyl. Outdrive won't go in

[Eivind Nag]

Check lower shift shaft position
Remove excess grease on Gimbal
Remove excess grease on Spline
Remove o-ring, clean spray with WD-40
Check condition of Spline
If all fails then I will check alignment [links]