Saving Old Seagulls

Hi

a basic question...when I run the gull in a tank/wheely bin/garbage bin, do I have to take the prop off or is just removing the spring OK?

Leaving it all on makes for a fun few seconds. It is also a good way to empty the water out!

Thanks

Roger

Hi Roger

It all depends on what size of bucket/bin etc. you will be using. I always remove the drive-spring on my Gulls so I can be assured that they won't overheat, but then again I only have a small plastic bin to run them in.

So in answer to your question, just removing the drive-spring should be fine.

Cheers
BP

You've no concerns about damaging the prop bush?

If the test tank is big enough, why not run it with the prop on? I like to do so ,as running the motor under load is a good thing , unless it's going to be an orniment or show piece . If removing the spring , you might as well go the whole way and remove the prop too for the extra few seconds it's going to take.

I generally take the prop off. The disturbance in the water reduces the water flow through the engine to a trickle.

I've rarely taken a prop off. Much prefer to have motor under load. I do use a 240L wheelie bin though. The prop does have a bronze bush similar to the end cap but that is lubricated with oil whereas the prop bush would be relying on water. Probably ok for short busts (ie when you have sheared the shear spring) but not for regular testing. It just slides off anyway so not a big deal.

Every one has his own way of doing this.

All I will say is, a total novice with a seagull should leave the prop on.
It is so easy to over rev a motor with no prop on, plus you cannot set the carb up properly.
They will pump water and run maybe a little warmer and that makes for an easier carb set up.

Use the clutch if the motor has one, otherwise leave the prop on as this helps (as Keith suggests) to set the carb up a little better.

I use an old drum as a test bin, approx 200 litres capacity. A wheelie bin will do just as well. Ideally the bigger the test facility/drum/bin the better as it helps to reduce static water pressure.
Of course the best way to test any seagull is on the back of a boat where they were designed to be used.
At a push, a smaller bucket will do BUT this is where i'd remove the prop and DONT over-rev the motor.

Each to their own i suppose

Jon

Hi all,

thanks for the replies so far. Keith has the nub of it...complete novice!

It is actually quite hard to remove the prop, it seems a very tight fit and I am worried about forcing it off. I don't wish to disrupt internal gearing etc. I have got it off but it is not an easy thing.
Hence the question. I am using a large garbage bin I bought for the job.

It is taking me a fair bit of time to start the motor but I have had it on my sailing boat and once started will run fine. The thing won't stop however. I think I need to adjust the throttle cable so will do that.

My next question, what is this carby adjustment? What am I adjusting?

I like that there are various views here, I suppose I am asking the blindingly obvious but where else can I learn?

yours aye

Roger

by redwitch21 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 9:54 am


My next question, what is this carby adjustment? What am I adjusting?

When you have the motor running, are you able to throttle up and down or does it just stay at one speed the whole time?
If you can adjust your speed with the throttle but you can't stop it with the throttle, maybe try using the choke...

Could you post some pics? We all like pics here

Cheers
BP

Hi BP,

pictures enclosed. I will get a more general one later.

The throttle works fine, up and down, just stopping!

cheers Roger

hmmm try this photo

BP,

I finally worked out how to add pictures...as requested

Here she is running, yesterday.