run the engine with out a prop

[rentprop1]

this is a stupid question and I searched the phrase " run engine with out prop " and guess what ...there were 8600 topics and no answer...so I ask again

1975 Rude 50 hp in a tank ( not muffs )

1. can I run the engine in the water tank with out the prop
2. can I shift in FWD or REV while running the engine with out the prop
3. I take it, if I can do 1. and 2. just don't get crazy on the rpm's ...right....I was thinking no more than idle....

 

[junior1113]

Re: run the engine with out a prop

youl be all right just to see if shifting properly but not too long or to hard on the throttle i do it to check prop shaft straightness

 

[Chris1956]

Re: run the engine with out a prop

Runing the motor w/o a prop is not a problem. Just remember that the motor has no load on it, so keep the RPMs below 2000. Shifting is no issue, however, since there is no prop, the propshaft may spin longer so give it a few seconds in neutral after shifting from F or R, before shifting into gear again.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: run the engine with out a prop

thanks guys, its one of those stupid questions, but something so simple that it might cause major damage if one didn't know...I was worried about there being no load.....but , I see boats at marinas all the time w/out props ( my guess so they don't get stolen ) and I 'm sure they test run them for potential buyers , but I wanted to ask before causing damage

 

[bowman316]

Re: run the engine with out a prop

i read in my eninrude manual, that you are supposed to put this special wheel on where the prop would go if you want to run it without the prop. But maybe that was for some special kind of test.

The wheel was supposed to simulate having a prop on.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John...temQQimsxZ20090308?IMSfp=TL090308225004r11840

 

[Chris1956]

Re: run the engine with out a prop

Bowman, That is a test wheel. It provides load to the motor similar to a normal prop, but provides little thrust. That makes it suitable for a test tank.