Volvo Penta SX-M not much water coming out of prop

[4winnsflorida]

I have a 2003 Fourwinns 190 with a Volvo Penta SX-M stern drive. I put the water muffs on to run the engine since I haven't used the boat in a while and noticed that very little water was coming out of the prop at any RPM. Most of the water was coming from the bottom of the transom shield. I removed the anode to get a better look and noticed a big opening, about 1" by 2 1/2". It looks a bit jagged around the edges like portions have been broken. I disconnected the bellows and ran water directly thru to the prop, and had a good flow of water coming out, much better than running with the muffs. Should there be a big opening at the bottom of the transom shield? If not, how can I fix it? I attach a picture.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta SX-M not much water coming out of prop

Back up with your picture so we can see where that is located.
There should be 2 round holes about an inch in diameter where most of the water will come out. They are called idle relief ports. Since water is going to take the path of least resistance, it's going to drop out of those holes first instead of through the bellows, and drive to go out the prop.
Under load with a lot of exhaust gasses to help, 99% or the water will go out the prop..

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Volvo Penta SX-M not much water coming out of prop

Do as don say's but there is little if any water coming from the prop on a sx nor exhasut..Look at your cav plate peak up a little and there are more exhasut ports...little comes out of the prop and probably a good thing..Exhasut Heat will burn prop hub's on larger motors

 

[4winnsflorida]

Re: Volvo Penta SX-M not much water coming out of prop

Thanks for the quick response. Here's another picture for reference. Are the two round holes you mentioned supposed to be in this area? Is it possible they have cracked open into a single 1" by 2 1/2" opening? If so, is this something to be concerned about?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta SX-M not much water coming out of prop

Put the anode on there, and that won't be near as open. That is not the idle relief ports, can't see them in that picture either.