engaging prop out of water

[studders]

hello I was just curious as too what the rule is about putting the outdrive into gear while it is out of the water with muffs on? Whether it should be done or not. I know it can be dangerous but I would definitely make sure no one is around. I would like to check something before I get it back out onto the lake. I don't need too go full throttle, just enough to go into gear and then back to neutral. thanks for your time.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I do it all the time, testin' before a splash,... drive down before ya even start it of course,....

Big throttle on the muffs is nothin' but a Noise maker,....

No diagnostic value,....

 

[tpenfield]

It is not child or pet friendly, but can be done with enough precaution. I usually do the shifting and prop shaft checking with the props off. It is a bit safer and you can still check from proper gear engagement, etc.

 

[Fed]

My outboard sounds like a F1 race car when I use the big boy's throttle.

 

[studders]

thanks for the responses. will do my testing tomorrow.

 

[Texasmark]

I do it every time I run it up between outings and I goose it a couple of times too but usually keep the rpms near idle or idle. Lets you pickup on any funny noises leading to a breakdown if present and ensure that your shifter mechanism functions properly.....let the prop stop before you go before you change gears. Obviously you don't do it when other animate objects are around including yourself near the prop.

Other than that, only thing I see is that you have a gear box there with friction and it needs to be cooled. The water coming down from the muffs helps but still, it was designed to be run completely surrounded by water so keep that in mind.