Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

[GlasV162]

I'm wondering if anyone knows what the symptoms are that would indicate my 17 inch pitch 3 blade aluminum prop should be replaced on my 1990 90 hp Evinrude. I've had the motor for 5 years on my 16 foot Glastron V 162; prior to that, the motor was on a pontoon boat with, I assume, the same prop as I'm using now. My motor won't reach the 5500-5800 rpm range, so I'm wondering if the prop is worn out, and if it is, would this cause the motor to not reach the right wot rpm? The prop has no damage to it, other than age. Thanks.

 

[F_R]

Re: Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

Look somewhere else for your problem, it isn't the prop unless the blades are very badly bent, which you say they aren't. Symptoms of a worn out prop, if any, would be just the opposite - too many RPMs

 

[GlasV162]

Re: Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

Well, they don't appear to be badly bent; they've never come in contact with a rock or any other underwater hazards. How does one check for bent blades? Thanks.

 

[Kevin W]

Re: Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

Props generally don't wear out unless they hit something.
the only wear item is the rubber center hub but if that wears out you will over rev the engine.

I would guess the motor may need to be decarbed.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

You can check a prop for bent blades by clamping a pointed object like a pencil to a block of wood. Position the point very close to the blades as you spin the prop. If the gap changes from blade to blade one or more of them is bent. You can also look at the blades and generally tell if they are bent significantly. To bend however, it must have struck something and there would generally be some nicks or chips in the leading edge of the blade.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

what rpm are you getting

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Symptoms of a worn-out prop?

Take it to a prop shop and get the correct answer the first time! Was the rpm ever correct on the pontoon? On the Glastron? I'd suspect you're overpropped going from one to the other.