Power Problem

[patpby]

I have a 1980's Johnson 30. I was cruising in open water when all of a sudden, I came to a stop and was only able to crawl away. When I put it in gear the prop spins enough to get me up to a good trolling speed. When I apply power though, the RPM's come up, the engine sounds fine, but I don't go anywhere fast. Any ideas?

 

[OBJ]

Re: Power Problem

Welcome to iboats Tiogaman.<br /><br />What you describe is the "classic" symptoms of a spun prop hub. The prop has a tight rubber bushing that should protect the lower unit should you smack something in the water at high end speed. The rubber hub should slip protecting the inards of the gear case. After a while, the bushings become old and constant torque will cause them to slip and cause the symptoms you describe. To check this, make a mark with a magic marker or something that won't wash off from the inner hub to the outter hub. After the engine does the "high rev no move" thing again, check the marks and see if they are out of alignment. If they are, the hub is spun. Take it to a prop shop or some dealers will send them out for rehubbing. <br /><br />Keep us posted as to what you find....Thanks!

 

[patpby]

Re: Power Problem

Thank you very much for your quick response.