can you run drive without a prop installed

[rpatton]

As the title states can you run the motor at idle speeds in gear without a prop or will this damage the drive. 1986 mercruiser 120 Alfa drive

 

[JustJason]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

It won't hurt anything.

 

[ziggy]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

i can't see why i'd make any difference. can't say i've ever read anything in my mercruiser service manual about not running it w/o a prop.
fwiw, i can remember my dad running his w/o a prop while on the lake, snicker snicker. it fell off.... he about drowned going to get it. but in the end he got it back and didn't die of drowning that day... :joyous:

 

[scipper77]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

I'd say your only risk is that the motor would be extremely easy to over rev with no prop putting a load on it. At idle, it shouldn't matter.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

probably get a lousy hole shot...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

It's actually a good idea as a safety measure, working on it out of the water.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

I'd say your only risk is that the motor would be extremely easy to over rev with no prop putting a load on it. At idle, it shouldn't matter.

THIS ^^^

In gear, the engine will not respond "normally" because there is no load.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

With no prop on, out of the water (e.g., trailered, on muffs) it would be no different engine response in gear than it is if you are revving the engine while in neutral (except that the empty prop shaft is also now turning)...(although you should always be careful with throttle chops while on muffs and operate the engine with the recommended RPM from the service bulletin for operating on muffs to prevent water intrusion).

I typically don't engage my fwd or rev gear while on muffs anyway (there are other ways to test your shifter with the engine off, out of the water). But, as said before, it would be safer if you do want to go in gear (for whatever reason) without the prop on it.

 

[achris]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

There is nothing you'll damage by running without a prop. Heck, I've run many engines without a drive! Just don't forget to put it back on before you launch :facepalm:....

 

[alldodge]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

There is nothing you'll damage by running without a prop. Heck, I've run many engines without a drive! Just don't forget to put it back on before you launch :facepalm:....

Dang I knew I forgot something

 

[Fun Times]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

Actually it's a requirement by Merceruiser safety legal department. Inside the installation manual you'll find a warning statement saying that If engine is to be tested with boat out of water, the propeller must be removed to avoid injury.

 

[rpatton]

Re: can you run drive without a prop installed

Thanks guys for all the input