Motor Drive Worries

[jmg]

Looking for some answers. Was out fishing yesterday. Had 2 other adults in the boat. We were going across some choppy water and I had the throttle nearly wide open when suddenly the engine revved way up and we slowed down. I thought at first air had gotten to the prop, but that didn't seem likely. Then I thought maybe it was not fully engaged in fwd., but it was. Happened a second time after getting up toward wot. again. After that, I did not run it at higher speeds out of fear of it breaking down. Seemed to run alright at trolling and mid range speeds. It's a 1997 Evinrude 30 hp. tiller with 15" shaft. Any ideas as to what might be going on. Hope it isn't anything serious. Prior to the first incident, it was running fine. It actually was the first time using it this season, though I did start it in the driveway a couple wks ago with the earmuffs on so I did not open up the throttle much. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[kerryd15]

Check the gas line for leaks, could be getting a little air and running lean when it can't keep the bowl full on the carb. Check the screen or filter on the engine if there is one. If you take it out again try pumping the bulb when it does that to see if it comes out of it. On the other hand you don't want to run it lean at all. Check those first and check the prop, the hub could be spun.

[delcecchi]

bad hub on prop?

[jmg]

Thanks for the reply. Now, being that I am ignorant about this, what would the fix entail if it is the hub on the prop-a new prop or something else? Hope to be able to use the boat again next weekend. I would tend to think it might be something like this rather than the gas issue, since I replaced all the fuel line fittings after the one going into the motor leaked. Everything there seemed dry and tight, but, who knows. How do I tell if it is a bad hub? There is a cotter pin holding the prop on. Should I take it off and look to see if anything seems strange, weird, or whatever? I don't think any fishline got in there. Just wondering?

[boatfixer]

It ain't your fuel lines.

I'm gonna go with spun hub also. To check it, you can use a black sharpie and make a mark on both the splined part of the hub and the blade part, Run it again. If it is the hub that's slipping, the lines will not be lined up. If that's the case, u need a new prop.

[jmg]

Thanks, Bruce-and everyone else. Seems like an easy way to check it. Like I said, hope it's something simple-like a prop. If it is the prop, should I get a new one or would a used one from TC Outboard be ok? Also, I just looked at Overton's online catalog and there are several pitches avail. what would be the way to tell the pitch of the current prop? I would like one the same pitch 'cause it worked real well-was nearly up to 25 mph with 3 of us in the boat when the "incident"occurred. Well pleased with that aspect and that it could get up on plane easily, even with the old boat I have.

[boatfixer]

Look for any numbers stamped on it. You should find the diameter and pitch on either the outside or it may be on the hub.

As far as new or used goes, either would work I'm sure. It depends on your budget I guess

[jmg]

Once again, thanks, Bruce. Hope to have some time yet today to look things over.

[jmg]

One Additional Question. If I have to get a new prop, does anyone have any suggestions as to where to get one in the SW metro area without getting ripped too badly?

[delcecchi]

Cabelas isn't too far of a drive.

You can get a "comprop" for very reasonable price. Call them to make sure it is in stock.