test tank

[katbird]

well I've heard the ups and down about timing my motor76-1150 merc. some say take the prop off some say never rev engine with prop off. as far as using the seloc manual it explains more about other models other than what I havebut anyway I purchased a 1000 gal plastic water tank 1/4" thick at tractor supply. It has a 12" diameter opening which i'll cut a larger hole to acommadate my motor and the top will keep water in at full throttle while setting timing.when I get everthing in order I will post a few pics to see what you think.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: test tank

Sounds like a good plan, Ron. Just let that hose continue to run in the tank if it starts blowing water out of it when you run the motor.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: test tank

That does sound like a good idea. How much did the tank cost you?

 

[Hooty]

Re: test tank

You probably know this but you will need some sort of prop or test wheel. It has to have a load on it for timing. I'd just back it down the ramp, crank it up and time it. No tank.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[mred 2436]

Re: test tank

ron : first time i ever heard of one of our customers using our storage tanks for something like that! lemme know how it works!! yeah, that domed top should keep ya from losing much water, but make darn sure ya keep that motor braced up good!<br /><br />zm : prices on the 1000 gallon tank vary from region to region, but here it sells for $429

 

[Hooty]

Re: test tank

Hey, I run my engines in one of those 2'X 2' X 4' 110gal galvanized stock tanks all the time. I just don' put a prop on it. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[ZmOz]

Re: test tank

Just keep in mind you're probably not going to want to dump that 1000 gallons into your yard when you're done. You would be quite surprised how much oil gets into the water.....

 

[mred 2436]

Re: test tank

zm good point!! i wonder if ya could skim the worst off the top once it settled? any one know a good solution to this? mebbe a box of laundy soap?

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: test tank

Those fuel/oil spill mats should work just fine for that, I would think. The marina's at Trinity Lake in CA. use a liquid that they call "Sheen" for fuel and oil spills on the lake. I have no idea where to get it or if that is it's real name. I'll try and E-Mail them and see if I can get more information about it. Any other ideas about that?<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/showphoto.php?photo=13003&sort=7&thecat=500&password= <br /><br />Craig

 

[alcan]

Re: test tank

This really isn't a problem. Since the oil floats to the top of the tank, just drain or siphen from the bottom. Then again why drain the tank at all. When my tank gets too sludgey I toss in one of those oil-sorb snakes. They just soak up oil not water. They sell small snakes for your bilge, I think they are called bilge-sorb. I would be very carefull trying to get full throttle out of a motor that size in any tank with the prop on it. You should have the proper test wheel. This is a prop that provides drag but don't go anywhere. You can still have ventialtion at the prop and over rev the motor. I'm with Hooty, I back down the ramp for these tests.

 

[katbird]

Re: test tank

I plan on leaving the motor on the boat and back up to the tank with the motor raised and then use t/t to lower it into the tank. What would be the difference as to the ramp. where I launch there are 5 ramps and they stay busy all the time except at night and I know it would frustrate me waiting for someone to time their engine at the ramp. I can do a better job at home where I can take my time and do it right. I always crack when working under pressure . curious about the test wheel, who sell test wheels? I figure with this tank which is about 10' in dia. across and with the dome top the water will rush to the back of the prop as fast as the prop pushes the water out. I could put skate boards under the tank ,trailer already has a wheel at the tongue and take a ride down my drive way and set timming

 

[alcan]

Re: test tank

Hi Ron<br />It depends on how you can get the current to flow in the tank, when the motor is running. I would think trying to get a circular (wirlpool) might be best. It has been my expirence when the water hits the back of the tank stright on, it tends to cause undesired turbulents. I see test wheels on Ebay quite often, other wise you would have to order one from your dealer. Ordering a tast wheel for one job on one motor probably isn't feasable. It is true what you say about using the ramp. A person have to use good judgement when choosing a ramp and the proper time to use it. I have done many ramp runs at 10:00-11:00 at night. I use a ramp in an industrial area,so noise isn't a problem. The cops think I have a screw loose, but they are kind of used to me now. Another option might be too find a little bit of out of the way (well built) dock space you can tie off to.