A good days work

[76NautiquePete]

I've recently posted several questions in the main repair/maintenance forum regarding vibration concerns and alternator problems (maybe they could be moved to this forum?)

Well I spent the better part of the day working on the boat.

After researching my prop/vibration concern it appears I've been running a prop (13x14) thats too aggressive for my boat. Based on Acme's recommendation I ordered a new prop (13x12). Hopefully this unit will resolve my vibration concern and get my engines power range working better with my prop.

After my alternator died I gave the entire engine a once over. Bought a new circulating water pump (wobbling bearings), raw water pump mounting bracket (cracking in old unit), belts and rear transmission bushings (all from Discount Inboard). Amazing what you can find for these old boats. Local shop built a new alternator and my fears of abandoning several wires and switching to a single wire alternator were unfounded (new unit has regulator built in so "extra" wires are obsolete).

Lots of new parts! Boat fired right up and seems to be running well. I'll slip the new prop on tomorrow and hopefully be pulling the kids this weekend!

Funny thing how working on an old boat can be so enjoyable.... other than the $$$.

[bchesley]

You should be amazed at the difference in the prop. I do hope that the rebuilder of the alternator understands that it was marine unit.

[76NautiquePete]

Yes, he's done a few for my work trucks and is well versed. Unit has all the marine spark screens etc. - $120.00 - not bad.

Acme said the prop should give me overall better performance and decrease gas consumption - less loading of the motor. I'm not sure how or when the other prop was selected. We'll see.

[bobchris]

well the only reason the prop would cause vibration is if it was out of balance, size, pitch, rake, cup none of that has any effect on a vibration won't create one won't elminate one.

My suggestion align the prop shaft and/or replace the strut bushings beacuse that is your vibration. Also don't wait too long before you heed these words as you will be looking for that new prop at the bottom of the lake when the shaft breaks in two.