A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

[DaveM]

I bought a new 15 x 19 Qucksilver prop for my 4.3L Volvo Penta SX and immediately noticed a high frequency vibration. It goes away if I replace that prop with the original Volvo 15 x 19 prop. There are no dings in it.

According to a boat technician, I don't need to worry about this unless it felt like the boat was about to shake apart. But it just does not seem right. Has anyone else experienced this and should I be worried?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

I have found that most modern mass-produced props are not real close in pitch tolerances and balance.

I have no personal experiences with Quicksilvers to know if this is common for that particular brand.

But in the overall scheme of props in general, your situation is not uncommon. I also would not call it normal, but it is what it is. When I buy a new prop I usually take it straight out of the box to my favorite prop shop to have it dynamically balanced. But I'm a bit more fanatical about obtaining perfect performance than most normal people are.

Will damage occur due to your mild vibration? I have no idea...my crystal ball is in the shop being balanced right now...

Another thought....Quicksilver on a Volvo? Just maybe your Volvo is rejecting a Mercury part due to incompatability...like a donor kidney is sometimes rejected by its recipient if it's not a perfect match....

kidding.

 

[DaveM]

Re: A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

Another thought....Quicksilver on a Volvo? Just maybe your Volvo is rejecting a Mercury part due to incompatability...like a donor kidney is sometimes rejected by its recipient if it's not a perfect match....

Thanks for the reply -- and the justification to balance a new prop.

And yes, I had the same thought about a Mercury prop for a VP, but this has a Volvo hub conversion kit thingy. I event went as far as to confirm this was correct with another shop.

 

[miketa23]

Re: A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

Hi,

I recently had a sandbar jump out in front of me and went to the local marina to get a prop change. All they had was quicksilver props. I also have a 4.3L Volvo Penta SX and now notice the slight vibration that was not there with the original volvo prop. Did you ever get the vibration issue solved by getting the prop balanced?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Texasmark]

Re: A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

Besides, any abnormality that may be with the prop or installation, any vibration will eventually destroy something...what and how long depends upon the "work function" of whatever is vibrating and how far/long you stress it.

I would not only have the prop dynamically balanced, I'd find out if it was out of balance when I brought it into the shop.....or maybe it was already in acceptable balance but the hub didn't fit together correctly.....give me some peace of mind that I fixed the problem or I have to look farther.

My 2c,

Mark

 

[John_S]

Re: A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

I have had a few merc black max props and never had vibration when new. I'd call the supplier, and have it replaced on warrantee, before spending the money at the prop shop.

For those that regularly take new props in for balancing, curous to know how much grinding or pitch adjustment was needed.