Test tank for outboard

[thebulldog]

Hello, if i used a cut down plastic drum for testing/running my outboard motor there should be no problem to put it in gear, forward/reverse and run the speed at a low speed without any problems .... right ???


Many thanks in advance

 

[rosser1]

Re: Test tank for outboard

not a problem, just make sure water doesn't get hot and keep water running it, because it will probly throw some of it out.

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Test tank for outboard

You didn't tell us anything about the outboard, if it's big enough it'll empty your barrel pretty much instantly.

 

[arks]

Re: Test tank for outboard

I use a big Rubbermaid trash can to test my 25HP Evinrude. It fits perfectly with the engine attached to the boat and on the trailer. No need to cut it down.

 

[FFDave]

Re: Test tank for outboard

I agree,
there shouldnt be any problem with that, but like the guys above said, make sure you keep running water going into the drum because you are likely to kick some of it out.
Why not just use muffs?

Dave

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Test tank for outboard

Depends on where you are and how "green" or snoopy your neighbors are...no problem doing what you describe, but you will have to keep the tub full and anything more than 6 hp will empty a barrel quickly even at low speed when in gear. Question is, can you dispose of the tub water afterwards? Might be ordinances/regulations in your area that prohibit it cause it will be loaded with exhaust/oil/gunk. Neighbors can also be a hassle, unless you know them well.

 

[frwhlr38]

Re: Test tank for outboard

I agree with captin be very careful of how you dispose of the water as citys countys ans states and federal laws all apply very hard on this stuff its actually considered haz mat check all laws before ya do it BILL

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Test tank for outboard

I would recommend that you get or make a "test prop" if you are going to put it in gear in a barrel. Like was said, a real prop is going to blast the water out of your barrel in a hurry.

A bought test prop will be kind of like a vaned wheel. It provides water resistance, but doesn't stir up and kick out water like a real prop.

A home-made test prop can be made from a beat-up old aluminum prop, with the blades mostly cut off--and cut as evenly vs each other as possible for balance reasons.

What outboard is this?

 

[thebulldog]

Re: Test tank for outboard

Many Thanks to all that made time of thier day to reply,
a couple of things .....
motor is a merc 40 hp,
earmuffs ... hmmm ... i thought that is was a bad practice to use earmuffs and run the engine in gear(s).

Thanks again for helping me out before any damage occured.

This rounds on me ! Bulldog

 

[JoLin]

Re: Test tank for outboard

I have a rubbermaid stock watering trough (100 gallons) that I bought when I owned a 175 Johnson. Deep enough that water covered the exhaust, introducing some back pressure. That's handy for tuning. It cost about $100.

 

[gunit1400]

Re: Test tank for outboard

Or you could go to a nearby dollar store and pay less than ten dollars for one of the large trashcans you would use outside. Thats what I use and it works well.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Test tank for outboard

I use a heavy plastic drum - no problem doing what you asked about-
As been mentioned if you run in gear be sure to watch water level

 

[jdsgrog]

Re: Test tank for outboard

Many Thanks to all that made time of thier day to reply,
a couple of things .....
motor is a merc 40 hp,
earmuffs ... hmmm ... i thought that is was a bad practice to use earmuffs and run the engine in gear(s).

Thanks again for helping me out before any damage occured.

This rounds on me ! Bulldog

It's not bad practice running it in gear...at least to my knowledge. However, running it at mid to high rpm's can cause runaway. Muffs are fine for warming the outboard up and getting some basic things done like flushing the motor or checking if it is shifting properly, but anything that requires you to go higher rpms and WOT, you should do in a barrel or trash can or best on a lake/body of water.