Idling long time mercruiser 3.0

[enn858]

Hi

I am planing to install a Hummingbird 987 sonar (side scanner sonar) on my boat and go exploring the seabed in "my" lake (there are sevearl wreaks - not yet found but known to be there)

To get propper sonar pictures i would have to go around 4-5 knots (app 12-1500 rpm) for maybe hours - would that cause problems (eg wear on engine coupler spliner) on a Mercruiser 135? or should i plan to install a small OB for this ?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Idling long time mercruiser 3.0

I've put over 650hrs. on my 4.3LX Idling,... Aka. Trolling.....650/ 700rpms.....

While it may sharpen the splines in the coupler,.....
If it's properly Greased,.... It'll last a Long, Long Time......

1200/ 1500rpms is fast enough to tighten the splines,+ Not be wearing on them......

I think the Issue is alittle over-blown,.....

 

[enn858]

Re: Idling long time mercruiser 3.0

Thanks Bond-o - i will install the sonar and use the mercruiser as Trolling motor

The Drive is off every winter - alingnment checked and splines properly greased with Castrol Polyplex Blue (merc splines grease) - so there will probably be no problems.

 

[batkins]

Re: Idling long time mercruiser 3.0

Another application but basically the same question...

I am considering fabricating a bracket to install an auragen 5 kw generator on my 2001 mercruiser 3.0 installed on a sun tracker party cruiser.

http://www.aurasystems.com/catalogs/AppCatalog1-17-03.pdf

The unit will rob me of 9 or so HP, but I'm not a speed demon so that's fine with me. The previous question asked if it was ok to cruise at idling speeds for an extended length of time...the concensus seemed to be that the engine has no problems (ie overheating) while idling for hours. Will the same answer apply to running a generator while idling?