Bondo, Trent, everyone... opinion please

[olddogmike]

I'm wondering how hard it is to replace coupler in my 3.0 lx mercruiser. In an earlier post I related that the rpms went up and speed decreased while I had the boat out today. No smell of burning rubber but engine temp rose from 140 to 160 and stayed steady, no rise above 160. But I did notice that all ran normal at 3000 rpm and under. Temp went back to normal as well. I am going to replace prop and hub with another one that I have but if that does not work than I would quess that it is the coupler. How tough is this to do and can it be done without removing the engine? Can it be done by removing the outdrive? Thanks for the help. Mike.

 

[Trent]

Re: Bondo, Trent, everyone... opinion please

First.....Its not the prop if the temp is changing. But what you listed is not a MAJOR change. Just for your info. Mark across the hub with a marker and go try it. If the marks move then the hub is spinning. Hubs that spin do not cause overheating. Normally.<br /><br />If its the coupler then you will have to pull the engine. I personally would buy aftermarket couplers at 1/2 price. They have worked well for me in the past. Id check my impeller in the lower as well as the wear plates and cup.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Bondo, Trent, everyone... opinion please

try triming the outdrive down. alittle air in the prop, a little air in the water intake?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bondo, Trent, everyone... opinion please

I'm thinking it's your prop......<br />But, otherwise, Yes, you'll need to pull the outdrive, then the engine, then the flywheel cover... then you'll be looking at the coupler....<br />Reinstall in the reverse order... Be Sure to Align the engine to the gimbal bearing, Or you'll be doing it All Over Again....

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Bondo, Trent, everyone... opinion please

If the couplier spun out, you wouldn't be able to go anywhere. Once they go, they're gone and don't come back to power anything again. I would lean more toward the prop slipping.