Re: Who can re-size prop shaft splines?
 

The step does nothing for the propeller location, rather the SSM#5, like its cousins SSM#3A and SSM#6 are a rear loading propeller design where as the older #4 and #3's are a front loading propeller which are held in place via the taper.

The rear loading propellers are held in place via the end of the propeller splines closest to the propeller nut.

Mercury screws in a plug and welds it at the rear of the propeller after they have broached the bore.

The insert that was mentioned is a sizing ring that allows the same propeller to fit the SSM#3A, SSM#5 and the SSM#6 drive units. The insert is made from Delrin and has a different I.D. which corresponds to the drive unit the propeller will be used upon.

You would be better off getting a new set of propellers as the older 19 tooth design propeller are "old" and do are not as good as the newer designs, so you will not be benefiting the most you can with the older propellers.

Lab finishing AKA thinning the propellers, combined with the newer designs will yield a huge difference over the older props.

Re: Who can re-size prop shaft splines?
 

Rik, thanks for the explaination of what going on with the shafts. Wheels I have are the Kiekhaefers and they have been back to Merc and are setup pretty good for the application. I understand the wheels I have are a true pitch, vs graduated of the more recent design. Someone up in WI thought that the Kiek. was harder to get on plane but possibly a little better on the big end? I have three pair I was going to try and re-size. One pair would be an easier decision. Maybe it's not feasible to machine them anyway? Thanks again for the info.

Re: Who can re-size prop shaft splines?
 

Yes, I see that there has to be a plug welded to the rear of the hub to keep the prop from eating the gearcase. Your close up of the shaft and splines illustrates that clearly.

Add another setup operation to the farside of the prop hub to counterbore a cavity for the plug, the making of the plug, and the welding of that plug.

Anything can be done.
All it takes is munny...

Re: Who can re-size prop shaft splines?
 

call proroc ask for rolph he can help you

Re: Who can re-size prop shaft splines?
 

Thanks bojoe2, I'll give Ralph a call.

Re: Who can re-size prop shaft splines?
 

keep us informed on what way you will be heading