High Engine revs when towing skier

[Johnv]

My 4.3 litre Mercruiser usually revs around 3000 when towing skier at about 25 mph. Yesterday the revs were at about 4500 immediately upon getting the skier up and stayed there while pulling the skier. When cruising without skier later the revs were at 3000 again. Not sure whether this could be caused by cavitation or load on engine.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

john

 

[Bondo]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

Any Weeds on the Prop,..??..??........

 

[Zackman]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

Given no slip, the engine rpm at a given speed should always be constant. I would concentrate on causes of excessive slip and not a problem with the engine.

 

[mtnrat]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

spun prop?

 

[180shabah]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

not if he still had propulsion, and it fixed itself later...

I agree with bondo, most likely he picked up some trash that was disrupting the water in front of the prop.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

spun prop?

My experience with a spun prop is once it lets loose its done, they don't "come back".

 

[Scaaty]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

Yep..one little piece of weed will do it...I feel any difference at all in R's, first thing I do it stop, and use reverse. I've nailed more than one Jellyfish or plastic bag (idiots) ...

 

[Johnv]

Re: High Engine revs when towing skier

Thanks to everyone for their ideas/suggestions. I will keep an eye on the revs to see if it happens in future and will check for debris at prop.