wrong prop?

[nestorkelly]

We have a 1998 searay bowrider 3.0 mercruiser. Does anyone know if it is possible that having too large of a prop on this boat when pulling a tube could cause a head gasket to blow. Ours has blown twice, each time after we start pulling a 3 person tube and we were told it was because of the prop. We have a turbo 14 1/2 x 21'

Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: wrong prop?

While the 21 is likely too high for ideal tubing.Blown head gasket in my opinion
is un related.Careful checking and preperation of the head and block should solve the problem. We did have an 83 honda Civic that blew head gaskets and a long time dealer couldn't solve the problem.We finally replaced the engine and to my knowledge it is still running.You might try to find out if there any history of the 3.0 having head gasket issues and if there is a solution.perhaps an up graded gasket.
Blaming tubbing is like saying accelerating with a full boat load blows head gaskets.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: wrong prop?

I doubt the prop is causing the blown head gaskets. Check out this service bulletin...

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Bullet/98/98_14.pdf

 

[nestorkelly]

Re: wrong prop?

Thanks for the replies and especially the service bulletin. We love the boat but with the problems we are having we thought maybe the load we pull was too heavy-3 person tubing-then our mechanic said the prop might be the problem. I have to show him this bulletin.