I bought this boat a few months ago (1974 Ranger 16 foot trihull) and this past weekend I drained and refilled the lower unit. The foot was pretty low on oil and what was in there looked like it was from the Reagan administration. After changing it I took it to the lake and as I attempted to get it to plane off the engine suddenly increased in RPMs and the boat slowed dramatically. I was unable to get it to plane out as it would spin at anything above 3500 rpms. I could still putt around slowly however so I stayed around the dock and before I was ready to leave the prop was holding better but still not 100%. I understand it is an old motor on a fishing boat and has likely seen more than one stump in its lifetime. However why would it work fine until the oil was changed and then start slipping? Could this be the result of a bad inner seal that let oil run out on the hub somehow?
The prop that is on there is pitched to low for my use. The engine effortlessly over revs and I have to be very careful not to give it too much throttle . I don't pull any skiers and top speed is my goal so what prop would work best for this situation?
Again this is a 1974 Johnson 85HP V-4 and I would like to know what size prop and pitch I would need to buy or is the hub replaceable or serviceable in some manner?...
Thanks! This site has a ton of great information!
The prop that is on there is pitched to low for my use. The engine effortlessly over revs and I have to be very careful not to give it too much throttle . I don't pull any skiers and top speed is my goal so what prop would work best for this situation?
Again this is a 1974 Johnson 85HP V-4 and I would like to know what size prop and pitch I would need to buy or is the hub replaceable or serviceable in some manner?...
Thanks! This site has a ton of great information!