Blu-Thrust Z60 / Z80 Weed Guard Assembly Guide

Blu-Thrust Z60 / Z80 Weed Guard and Propeller Assembly Guide

This guide covers the basic disassembly and assembly procedure for installing or removing the front and rear weed guards on Blu-Thrust Z60 and Blu-Thrust Z80 underwater thrusters.

The mechanical weed guard and propeller installation procedure is generally the same for ESC and non-ESC versions of the same thruster size, including Z60 / Z60E and Z80 / Z80E models. For the Z80 series, this guide also applies to both 170KV / 24V and 290KV / 12V motor variants where the same Z80 thruster body, guard interface, and propeller mounting arrangement are used.

Weed guards are intended to help reduce the chance of weeds, vegetation, and loose debris entering the thruster, while also helping reduce the risk of accidental finger contact with the propeller. They do not make the thruster fully weed-proof or safe to handle while powered. Always disconnect power before handling, servicing, or inspecting the thruster, and inspect the thruster before and after use, especially when operating in areas with weeds, rope, fishing line, kelp, or other debris.

Important Compatibility Note:
Always confirm that the weed guard and propeller match the correct thruster size before installation. Z60 and Z80 components are not interchangeable, and CW / CCW propellers must be installed in the correct orientation for the thruster configuration.

Tools Required:

For Z80:

• Pry bar or small flat plastic tool
• PH1 screwdriver
• Torque driver recommended for propeller screws

For Z60:

• PH1 screwdriver
• PH2 screwdriver
• Torque driver recommended for propeller screws

Recommended propeller screw torque: 0.7 Nm

Z80 Weed Guard and Propeller Procedure:

1. Remove the snap-on cap.
   Use a small pry bar or suitable plastic tool to gently lift the side latches on the snap-on cap. Release both sides, then pull the cap outward evenly. Take care not to drop or impact the thruster during removal, as impact damage can affect the motor, duct, or propeller assembly.

2. Remove or install the propeller.
   The Z80 propeller is secured using cross-recessed countersunk screws. Use a PH1 screwdriver for removal and installation. When reinstalling the propeller, tighten the screws evenly. Recommended screw torque is 0.7 Nm. Do not over-tighten the screws.

3. Install the rear weed guard.
   No tools are normally required to install the Z80 rear weed guard. Align the rear guard with the thruster body. Press one side into place first, then press the opposite side until the guard clips into position.

4. Lock the rear guard latches.
   After both ends of the rear guard are seated, press each surrounding latch fully into place. Confirm that all four latches are engaged before operating the thruster.

5. Remove the rear weed guard.
   To remove the rear weed guard, pull the surrounding latches inward toward the center of the guard to release them from their slots. Once the latches are disengaged, remove the guard from the thruster body.

6. Install the front weed guard.
   To install the front weed guard, begin by pressing the single side of the guard into position at the notch. Make sure the guard is properly aligned before pressing the remaining latches into place.

7. Secure the remaining front latches.
   Press each latch into position one at a time. Work around the guard evenly to avoid twisting or stressing the plastic.

8. Seat the final side of the front guard.
   Press the final side of the front guard into place. If needed, gently spread the guard outward while pressing down until it clips securely into position. Before use, confirm that all latches are fully seated and that the propeller rotates freely without rubbing.

Z60 Weed Guard and Propeller Procedure:

1. Remove the Z60 duct screws.
   The Z60 weed guard installation requires tools. Start by removing the three side screws from the duct using a PH2 screwdriver. These screws are self-tapping, so avoid over-tightening during reassembly. Frequent removal and reinstallation of self-tapping screws is not recommended, as this can wear or strip the plastic threads.

2. Remove the duct and propeller.
   After the three side screws are removed, the duct can be taken off. The Z60 propeller is secured with two cross-recessed countersunk screws. Use a PH1 screwdriver to remove or reinstall the propeller screws. Recommended propeller screw torque is 0.7 Nm. No screws are required in the two VENT ports.

3. Install the front weed guard.
   After removing the propeller, slide the front weed guard over the motor end and clip it into position. Check that the guard is properly seated before reinstalling the propeller.

4. Remove the rear cap.
   To install the rear weed guard, remove the existing rear cap using a PH2 screwdriver. The rear cap screws are also self-tapping. Do not over-tighten them during reassembly.

5. Install the rear weed guard.
   Replace the rear cap with the rear weed guard and fasten it using the original screws. Tighten the screws only until secure. Over-tightening can damage the threads.

6. Reinstall the propeller.
   Reinstall the propeller using the correct screws and a PH1 screwdriver. Do not press directly on the propeller blades during installation, as the blades may bend or break if excessive force is applied.

7. Reinstall the duct.
   Refit the duct over the thruster body and reinstall the three side screws. Tighten the screws evenly and only until secure. Before use, rotate the propeller by hand to confirm that it spins freely and does not contact the guard or duct.

Final Inspection Before Use:

Before operating the thruster, check the following:

• All weed guard latches are fully seated.
• All screws are installed correctly and tightened securely.
• The correct CW or CCW propeller is installed for the thruster configuration.
• The propeller rotates freely by hand.
• The guard does not rub against the propeller.
• No loose debris, line, weeds, or foreign material is inside the duct.
• The thruster has not been damaged during disassembly or assembly.

After operation in salt water, sandy water, silty water, or weed-heavy environments, rinse the thruster thoroughly with fresh water and inspect the propeller and guard before storage.