Engaging Prop while on Muffs

[ktbarrentine]

Just curious.... I've been told never to engage the prop (fwd or rev) when testing/running the I/O on muffs, so I don't. I do test my shifter with the engine stopped (and key out) by checking prop rotation (by hand) when shifter is in fwd or rev. I test the shift interrupt at the lake as part of routine checks. I do get the feeling, though (by the sounds of some threads) that testing the prop/gears while on muffs is done by some. Technical issues? Opinions? Is there a sticky on this somewhere?

 

[BonairII]

Re: Engaging Prop while on Muffs

I've shifted into gear while on muffs when checking my shift linkage etc.

I doubt idling while in gear(on muffs) would cause any problems.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Engaging Prop while on Muffs

Not putting it into gear on the muffs would be more of a safety issue with body parts getting injured.
When I'm about to put it into gear and have someone near the transom, I first alert them I am about to put it into gear and move up toward the side of the boat instead of at the transom.
Mark

 

[Don S]

Re: Engaging Prop while on Muffs

It doesn't hurt the drive to shift out of the water, just shift quickly so it doesn't ratchet a lot. The biggest concern is safety. That prop spinning is dangerous. I have seen one guy get his foot in the prop while at idle. Months of recovery.
But it doesn't hurt the drive at all. If you want to idle for a long time in gear, just take the prop off.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Engaging Prop while on Muffs

Less stress then doing it in the water with resistance on prop. Like stated only safety issue of spinning prop.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Engaging Prop while on Muffs

Agreed, it's only a safety issue, not a mechanical issue. I wouldn't run it much above idle while in gear though as it wouldn't serve much purpose.