What is too much "prop slop"?

[meant2be]

I put my engine in gear (not running) and turned my prop to the right and then to the left. When I reverse direction I can freely turn the prop for about a fifth of a rotation. The engine is a 1993 Force 70.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: What is too much "prop slop"?

A couple of inches either way would be OK. My Johnson 70 turns about 1" either way. Don't think it's a problem, unless you have other reasons to think it is.

 

[meant2be]

Re: What is too much "prop slop"?

Well mine travels about 2". I only checked because I caught something in my prop earlier that day and the engine ran wide open (as if no load) for about 3 seconds. Ever since then I hear a clanking (rythmic) from the lower area. Engine runs fine in neutral, but when in gear and the throttle is above 1/3 the sound begins and gets progressively worse as I increase speed. Thought it might be the prop slipping???

 

[DJ]

Re: What is too much "prop slop"?

meant2be,<br /><br />You have a problem. The noise is not normal.<br /><br />Pull the prop. and have a close look at the splines in the hub. If they're OK, you have a problem in the lower unit.

 

[sho305]

Re: What is too much "prop slop"?

You may have spun the hub as well. Put on gloves and the motor in gear so the prop cant turn. Try to force the prop to turn and see if the hub slips. It may have slipped and is not centered now. Look for damage. Clunking noises from there are not good.

 

[durk187]

Re: What is too much "prop slop"?

I have wondered the same thing, my Evinrude will "slop" 1/4 turn. The only problem I have had with it is that the prop "loads" upon hitting anything. This, in turn causes excessive shear pin usage as the prop sling-shots back against the shear pin. <br /><br />DC