Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Joe
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Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 6:43 am

Re: Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Post by Joe »

Hello ,Why did you take 16" 15 pitch Off ? Was their a problem? 16" 15 pitch cupped is the correct size.
1988 sedan flybridge. Black / White. 318 240 hp Aluminum aft deck hard top. Louisville Ky . Tartans landing. " KNOCKEFELLERS"
HighlandGent
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Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2018 3:58 pm
Location: Brunswick, MD

Re: Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Post by HighlandGent »

UPDATE!! - I wasn’t crazy!

Here is an email from the service advisor at the Marina in response to my concerns about the engine speeds with the new props.

Hi David: As per your conversation with Slim: he said that the new props are fine for now. The RPMs are at 4,900: but DON'T run the boat that high, keep the rpms lower for now. With the higher rpms, it is going to loose speed, that is expected. Use it this way for now--until you haul out for the winter--and then the props need to be sent out to be 'cupped'. That will put the rpms within specs. This will be exactly as it should be...……………..Sandy

So, fortunately I only have one more weekend available this year to take her out. I’ll go easy and when we get in the water next year it’ll be perfect. Thanks you all again for your input.
Highland Lady
1988 32’ Sedan FB
Essex, MD on the Chesapeake Bay
Twin Chrysler 318’s (rebuilt this winter)
Westerbeke 6.5kw Genset
Used as a houseboat for 16 years.
Resurrected in 2016!
carl
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Re: Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Post by carl »

BigM
Last edited by carl on Wed Jul 10, 2019 1:18 pm, edited 2 times in total.
EWRice
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Re: Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Post by EWRice »

I have to agree with carl. Cupping the props will only reduce slippage, not drastically change rpm. I also think that you should be running faster than 4900rpm with the props you have on there. I wonder if your valves are starting to float (chryslers have very weak valve springs in their industrial engines, which the marine engines are considered) and limiting your rpm before the props can. Be careful running with those props as engine damage could be quick.

If you want a smaller prop, I re-propped a 32 sedan with 4 blade Acme CNC props and had great results. I think we dropped down to a 14".
Muskegon Lake
1972 32' Express flybridge
"AL13"
Twin 318s
On board air & prime 920
1963 Thompson Super Sea Lancer
Graymarine 327
1961 Alumacraft 12'
'55 10hp Johnson
jralbert
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Re: Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Post by jralbert »

I will hold back using the same adjective as above, but will enthusiastically agree the advice you're receiving isn't sound. I am not an expert by any means in boat propellers but have examined the question for years as an owner of an M dating back to the 1980's and now a casual observer as a former owner. Nowhere in the literature is there the slightest mention of 12" props, cupped or otherwise, as a unit for your boat. Sixteen, fifteen and (rarely) 14 - ok. But never 12.
Obviously, it's your call and your boat so do what makes good sense for you. My two cents is probably worth just that.
An idea is to call an established prop specialist company and ask about their recommendation. Some used to provide an online form to submit for a prop plan.
-joel-
former owner 1988 '32 FB Sedan
Chesapeake Bay
twin 318 / 240 hp
Potomac MD
Fastjeff
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Location: Rock Halll, MD

Re: Prop size and operating RPM for 318 Chrysler engines

Post by Fastjeff »

Must disagree a bit here.

On my old boat, at one time. I had a 16 x 16 on one side and a 16 x 15 on the other. I had taken the 16 x 15 to a prop shop to have it repitched to a 16, but the guy said he couldn't do. He added a lot of cup (using a hammer and a wooden post), and it worked great! RPM and synch were right on.

The bottom line: A 15 heavy cup equals a 16 normal cup.

Jeff
"We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, not at the top." General Marvage Slatington
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