1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

[DogDazed]

I just purchased a 1966 16' Slick Craft SS 165 I/O with a 4 Cylinder,120 HP Mercruiser Engine serial #2003769. It has been sitting in a barn for the past 10 years without being run. I've never owned a boat like this and need all the help I can get. I was able to start the boat easily after adding Gas, Oil etc.. My question is: When I have the hose with water running through the Lower unit and engage the throttle forward should the propellor be turning as I increase the RPM's. I noticed when I did this that the propellor spun slowly. If this is a major problem can anyone tell me what is wrong and what I need to do to get it running. Thank you for your time.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

Your propshaft Should be turning 1/2 the speed of the crankshaft speed.....<br />So, I'd say you have a Problem.....<br />Buy a Manual,+ Read it, for your drive train.... While you Still have one....<br /><br />My Guess is, It's Not Shifting....

 

[iwldntli2u]

Re: 1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

Acutally it is 1.98 revs per one prop turn. Should not be engaging the prop out of the water.

 

[DogDazed]

Re: 1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

Ski Rob: thank you for the reply. As I stated in my post I've never had an I/O boat before. I had a 60 hp Mercruiser outboard and the propeller turn as I increased the throttle. Are all I/O engines as you described and only turn in the water? If you don't mind elaborating, can you tell me why it works like that? Sorry for the questions, but the boat came without any manuals which I now have on order. Thank you for your time and comments.<br />Trina

 

[iwldntli2u]

Re: 1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

To answer your question GEARING. your setup is probably 1.98. It allows the engine to move the boat better without running alot of RPMS or working to hard. IT is better to have the boat in the water due to the gear shift. When shifting gears out of the water there is not resistance on the prop. This means it will grind into gear "not good." When in the water the water add some resistance to the prop allowing you to get it in gear quickly. As far as your prop turning. Back it down the ramp as far as you can go. Run the boat and shift into gear. Do not add throttle. If the prop is moving water then take the boat off the trailer and try her out. Do not go far from the dock incase you have a problem.

 

[DogDazed]

Re: 1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

Thank you for the explanation. I had another fellow tell me that when the engines not running to put the gear in forward and I shoiuld only be able to turn the prop one way by hand. I tried this and the prop turns freely no matter what gear it is in. Any opinion on that, because I don't have a clue if there is a problem.

 

[iwldntli2u]

Re: 1966 Slick Craft SS165- 120 hp Mercruiser engine question

Right check it again with the prop off. If it is bad if it is good then replace the prop and hub!