Engine Coupler

[Bubba_in_ct]

Ok - I have a 1986 Celebriity 21' Cuddy with a Mercruiser 260 HP Apha One. Repowered 4 yrs ago. My RPM's surged and I fell off plane. I couldnt get back on plane - was slipping like a spun hub on the prop, even though it was brand new. I was only running about 40 minutes on the new prop when it happened. 4 days later, was prepared to swap props but I wanted to make sure it wasnt slipping. I ran fine for another hour. My friend said I was probably trimmed wrong and some floating weeds I ran over caused the prop to break loose.

Anyhow, I am thinking engine coupler now. I couldnt recreate the problem. When it broke loose the temp didnt surge, but I also immediately reduced throttle. When a coupler goes, does heat matter? When it gets hot, will it be more prone to slip, then when it cools off be fine? Am I being paranoid?

Also, I didnt own the boat when it was repowered, so I am not sure if the coupler was replaced.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Engine Coupler

Heat has nothing much to do with a spun coupler. If it is spun, it is spun. The two most likely culprits are age or misalignment. Misalignments can occur when the transom begins to rot, motor mounts begin to rot or when engines are changed out and realignments are not done. I think that Merc specifies it to be checked yearly.

Bonded couplers can last a long time but in your case you not only have age, you have big power and a heavy boat.

 

[boathog]

Re: Engine Coupler

when the coupler goes it goes . ive seen props spinout cool off and work fine (i would not trust it on a long trip )

 

[Bubba_in_ct]

Re: Engine Coupler

I would think that when it was repowered, it was replaced. Previous owner kept it immaculate and well maintained. Maybe it's just a cheap prop. Solas - Taiwaneese

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Engine Coupler

Seems like a lot of prop posts I read involve that brand of prop...