30hp johnson, hot shaft

[elake]

I took my pontoon out for a spin last night and noticed that the engine seemed to be slipping when I gave it some juice. What I mean by slipping is that the engine would rev real high. Thought maybe I had some seaweed on there. That was not the case. So I slowly docked her back up. When I went to lift the engine out of the water the shaft was extremely hot. This is my first outboard engine ever as I just bought this pontoon about a month ago. The boat is 1985 and think the engine is original. Everything seems to be working fine and engine in good shape except for the latest problem. I'm thinking maybe it's the lower unit??? I say this not knowing what I'm talking about. The other question is can I fix this problem in the water or do I have to take it out??? This is my first post and I appreciate any responses, thanks!

Joe

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 30hp johnson, hot shaft

was it like a manual transmission car, that the clutch is not all the way out. the engine revs but goes no where. if so sounds like a spun prop, the props are made of 2 metal hubs, with a rubber bushing, between, sounds as if the the rubber is going. take a permanent marker and draw a line across these hubs, give it a short go, if marks are still lined up, the prop is good. also if you don't know when the impeller was last changed, good idea to do it.

 

[elake]

Re: 30hp johnson, hot shaft

Thanks for the quick reply.

I could get to a certain speed and then it would go no more. I would give it juice and it would just rev up more. I could get it going about 5 mph then it would rev up after I gave it more gas. The boat will top out at about 13mph. I might have got it moving 3-4 mph. Not speedometer.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 30hp johnson, hot shaft

you have a spun prop, can be rebuilt, at a prop shop or buy new or used. pull the prop, don't drop anything in the water, the prop has a number on it. usually in the hub.

 

[elake]

Re: 30hp johnson, hot shaft

Thanks, I will replace the prop tonight and hope that fixes it. Is this something that can be done fairly easily? Is this a common proplem or some way to prevent this in the future?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 30hp johnson, hot shaft

get your new prop and have the other reconditioned, for a spare. that way when it happens again, you only have to change the prop, and not ruin a trip. it's just one of those things that happens, i've never had one go bad, knock on wood, but i do keep a spare in my boats.