Offshoreonly.com - prop blades cracking on tip

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3pointstar (Post 4543231)

Guys -- I'm not a mechanic and don't have a lot of experience with this high performance stuff- but in regards to these "higher performance" engines/outdrive and props- do you ever ask if the prop has had been FPI tested -- This is a fancy term - Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection or Eddy Current testing? This will detect cracks in the metal

thoughts??

3pointstar

We due magnaflux dye penetrate testing in house upon request or when we determine it to be necessary.
There is a misconception about Labbed props being the reason for cracking. Standard Lab thicknesses (BBLADES and Merc Racing) are not the cause of crack-age. Now when ultra high X dimension come into play with just shy of 1000 HP applications, the props will fail at some point.
The larger culprit is internal casting flaws like cold rolls and porosity.
For this reason, unlike other manufacturers, BBLADES new 4-SPEED and OB/FX are heat treated. Most people believe the Merc and other families of outboard and bravo props are treated but they are not.

Brett