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Author Topic:   Flo-Torq IV Hub Kit Performance

Tom W Clark posted 06-04-2007 10:13 AM ET (US)
Over the last two weekends I have had to opportunity to try out the new Mercury Flo-Torq IV hub kit made for the 135 - 200 HP Verado four stroke outboards. I have one installed on one of my two 1989 Mercury 150 HP motors.
The Flo-Torq IV is the big brother to the Flo-Torq III and is designed to alleviate the shift clunk one can suffer with a heavy stainless steel propeller when you shift it into gear. It also is designed to alleviate "prop rattle" while in gear at idle speeds.
In the past I have noted that heavy props like the Mercury Revolution 4 (the worst offender) were painful to run on my motors because of the tremendous shift clunk. I also suffer prop rattle even though my motors are two stroke and thus less prone than the new four strokes.
I am here to tell you that the Flo-Torq IV completely eliminated the shift clunk when turning a Revolution 4 propeller and resulted in only very faintest hint of prop rattle.
I will be equipping the other motor with a Flo-Torq IV kit just as soon as I can get one.
Newtauk1 posted 06-04-2007 11:56 AM ET (US)
Tom,
I concur. I experienced prop rattle as well when adding a stainless prop to my 75hp Merc. 2 stroke. The new hub assemble eliminated it. The prop rattle was evident when putting the motor into forward gear at very low RPM. (800RPM) when getting out of my dockage. With the two piece hub system I immediately noticed a difference.
Tom W Clark posted 06-08-2007 10:02 AM ET (US)
Newtauk1,
I presume you must be running a Flo-Torq III hub kit on your 75 HP. The design of the Flo-Torq III and IV are very similar with the Flo-Torq IV having larger titanium rods for a greater spring rate and thus a greater capacity for heavier props and higher torque.
bigjohn1 posted 06-09-2007 07:56 PM ET (US)
Tom,
Your recommendation last year for me to switch to a Flo-Torque III to help my shift clunk and prop rattle was excellent advice. I realize you started this thread to report performance of the Flo-Torque IV on the larger engines but I just cant say enough about how much smoother the low-speed performance is with these latest generation hubs.
Newtauk1 posted 06-09-2007 07:59 PM ET (US)
Tom,
Correct. Flo Torq III. Bought the kit. The plastic spring drive sleeve was a tight fit in my Raptor prop. I was concerned when I jammed it into the prop. I shaved the sides of the sleeve to fit in. Seems to work.
NT1
dr john posted 06-11-2007 10:33 AM ET (US)
Tom, are these now available? I searched the web with no luck. Thanks.
Tom W Clark posted 06-11-2007 10:47 AM ET (US)
Yes, the Flo-Torq IV kits have been available for the last year or two. You can order them through Mercury Parts Express, your local dealer or from Ken Reeves of Prop Gods (who has the best price on the Flo-Torq IV kits.)
https://www2089.ssldomain.com/propgods/content/index.aspx
dr john posted 06-12-2007 11:33 AM ET (US)
Thank you for the reply.
Henry posted 06-18-2007 11:25 AM ET (US)
Is it correct that the Flo-Torq IV kits are not designed for props such as the Mercury Laser II? Any way to alleviate the shift clunk from this propeller? The prop is on a Mercury 90 hp Saltwater version. Thanks.
Tom W Clark posted 06-18-2007 11:56 AM ET (US)
Henry,
No. The Flo-Torq IV will fit any Flo-Torq or XHS propeller including the Laser IIs.
If your motor is a 90 HP, then you want to use the Flo-Torq III which is essentially the same design as the Flo-Torq IV but with smaller titanium rods and thus a lower spring rate more appropriate to the intermediate size gearcase motors.
towboater posted 06-18-2007 01:00 PM ET (US)
Tom,
Im still trying to get the 19 Guardian goin along with many other projects.
Darin, (pro boat repairman) has gone to Alaska fishing for 6 weeks & Jeff (Kodiak and local engine repairs) is in Spokane showing dogs all week.
Im bringin the boat back home, I need it running asap.
The 17 has been sold...heading south Thurs.
Send me terms and info to install the hub kit on my 150 Black Max (formerly Matts engine).
4 blade wheel, I dont have the specs here.
thx,
mk
mfrymier posted 06-21-2007 10:47 AM ET (US)
towboater -- good to hear that 150 will be back on the water soon!!!!
towboater posted 06-21-2007 11:33 AM ET (US)
Hello Matt.
Hows the etec holding up?
It's funny, a guy from Sacramento bought the 17. Im expecting his phone call/arrival any minute.
My boat repairman/mechanic knows his stuff & is a very nice guy but he has too many coals in the fire.
I was told the 19 (your eng) would be ready in time to take it to the Sound Fathers Day weekend. He left for Alaska fishing last week. sigh.
So, Ive been forced to "get by" with Dads 24 ft SeaSport XL. 9 days til the Ocean Salmon season opens.
mk
Perry posted 01-29-2009 12:38 PM ET (US)
I know this is an old thread but I am looking to put a Flo Torq IV hub kit on my Enertia prop which is mounted on a Honda BF135. I want to reduce the shift clunk and prop rattle at idle. The link Tom provided to Prop Gods didn't work and I couldn't locate the Flo Torq IV on their website. I have found one online for $89 plus shipping. Has anyone found one for less?
Tom W Clark posted 01-29-2009 03:19 PM ET (US)
Carson -- That is a good price for the Flo-Torq IV hub kit.
I have some slightly used ones. I could spare one of them if you want to shoot me an email.
Perry posted 01-29-2009 03:39 PM ET (US)
Tom, e-mail sent.
L H G posted 01-29-2009 05:49 PM ET (US)
Carson - I use them in my twin Rev-4's, a very heavy prop which is what they were designed for, and they do a good job of reducing prop rattle at idle speeds on the 200 EFI's.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2025/?action=view& current=Scan0003.jpg
But I would not think you would need them for a light weight prop lie the Merc Enertia. maybe your "clunk" is simply a characteristic of the Honda gearcase. I ran an Enertia on my 1988 V-6 150 for a few days, with the standard hub, and found no need for the "IV". It's a great prop, incidentally.
I ordered my hubs from my Merc Dealer about 2 years ago, and they were $75 each back then.
Perry posted 01-29-2009 08:58 PM ET (US)
Larry, the Enertia is the only one out of about 6 props I have tried that rattles at idle speeds. The shifting clunk happens with all the stainless steel props I run and I am hoping the Flo Torq IV will reduce this clunk and at the same time eliminate the prop rattle at idle.
All my other props have had solid hubs. Can the prop rattle at idle be caused by the Flo Torq II hub?
Almost everything was cheaper 2 years ago :-)
Tom W Clark posted 01-30-2009 12:33 AM ET (US)
The Delrin hub insert of the Flo-Torq II hub kit is not very resilient and will not absorb the shift clunk or loading-unloading of prop rattle like the rubber hub of a Flo-Torq I or earlier generation pressed-in rubber hub.
18 Ventura posted 01-30-2009 09:43 AM ET (US)
Based on an earlier discussion on this board, I ordered a Revolution 4 which I plan to install on my 135 OptiMax this spring. The propeller comes with the standard Flo-Torq II w/ bushing kit. Based on the information above, it sounds like I should be considering a Flo-Torq IV kit as well. (I already get a fair amount of prop rattle with the current MiragePlus.)
Here’s my question: Is there any harm in trying out the Flo-Torq II kit, or should I just go with the Flo-Torq IV from the start?
Tom W Clark posted 01-30-2009 09:49 AM ET (US)
No, there is no harm at all in trying out the Flo-Torq II hub kit.
18 Ventura posted 01-30-2009 10:12 AM ET (US)
Thanks, Tom. If you’re willing to part with another one of those ‘slightly used’ Flo-Torq IV hubs at a reasonable price, please let me know.
rush posted 03-05-2009 09:22 AM ET (US)
I am resurrecting this thread once again. I just purchased the Flo Torq IV hub for my Revolution 4 prop. Last night I removed the Flo Torq II from the prop and tried to install the FT IV delrin hub assembly. Obviously, the front part of the hub is tight and when I tried to drive it in, the titanium (?) rods started extending from the bottom piece of the hub. That is to say that as I drove the bushing assembly into the prop hub, the back piece closed up on the front piece and the rods poked out the back. I couldn't "pull" the back piece back out to the end of the rods, so I removed it, reset it and am looking for advice.
Those of you who have Flo Torq IV hub kits, how did you install the bushing without the rods "poking out" of the assembly? It's probably obvious and I've missed it, but that seems to be my MO. Thanks in advance.
Robert
rush posted 03-05-2009 09:48 AM ET (US)
The "duh" factor is setting in. Is the bushing supposed to be set into the hub by the thrust washer when torquing the prop? If so, will that press the bushing all the way into the hub and is the bushing supposed to be in contact with the thrust washer? Hmmm.
Thanks,
Robert
rush posted 03-05-2009 09:49 AM ET (US)
The "duh" factor is setting in. Is the bushing supposed to be set into the hub by the thrust washer when torquing the prop? If so, will that press the bushing all the way into the hub and is the bushing supposed to be in contact with the thrust washer? Hmmm.
Thanks,
Robert
Tom W Clark posted 03-06-2009 10:47 AM ET (US)
Robert,
When seating the drive sleeve, I use a large flat washer across the end of the drive sleeve. This washer is large enough to cover the ends of the rods and I then use a carriage bolt with its head seated in the hole of the washer to tap the drive sleeve into the prop.
Yes, you can rely on tightening the propeller nut to pull all the parts together but I prefer to seat the drive sleeve first.
If you do rely on tightening the prop nut to pull it all together, be sure to retighten the prop nut after you have run the prop for the first time.
mikemdd posted 03-07-2009 09:41 AM ET (US)
Tom,
Just for clarification, you noted earlier that the Flo Torq IV is designed for larger motors. I have a Trophy Plus 4 blade prop that I use on my Mercury 115HP motor. This is a heavy prop and I currently use the Flo Torq III. The clunk and rattle is reduced but still annoying. Would the Flo Torq IV make sense for this setup?
Thanks
Mike
Tom W Clark posted 03-07-2009 11:23 AM ET (US)
Mike,
The Flo-Torq IV is designed for the large gear case motors (135 HP and up) with their correspondingly larger propellers.
The Flo-Torq III is designed for the intermediate gear case motors like yours.
The primary difference between these two hubs if the diameter of the eight titanium rods. The Flo-Torq IV rods are larger so they have a stiffer spring rate.
The secondary difference is that one of these has the forward half of the drive sleeve fixed relative to the propeller and the other has the aft half fixed relative tothe propeller. I do not remember which is which.
There is no physical limitation or rule that says you cannot use a Flo-Torq IV on a smaller motor or vice versa. If you have access to a Flo-Torq IV drive sleeve, go ahead and try it out. I do not think it will help you but there is no harm in experimenting.
Funman posted 12-06-2009 08:23 PM ET (US)
I have a 24' checkmate enforcer with a 454 ci v8. I use a 25 pitch solid hub prop and I have prop clunk when i put it in gear. Will flo-torque IV stop this? Where can I buy the flo-torque IV or do you think flo torque 111 work? I can't find where to buy flo torque3 or 4. Any help?
Thanks,,Brad
bradley158@charter.net
Tom W Clark posted 12-07-2009 12:36 PM ET (US)
Brad -- No, the Flo-Torq IV is not for your boat.
The reason you are running a solid hub is because your motor puts out more torque than a standard Flo-Torq II can handle and the Flo-Torq II can handle more than the Flo-Torq IV.
The Flo-Torq III is even less strong, being designed for outboards only up to 115 HP
Nominally, the Flo-Torq IV is for motors up to 200 HP only, but I would not hesitate to run them on 225s and 250s as well.
A 454 V-8? Now way.
boatdryver posted 12-07-2009 03:51 PM ET (US)
I recently installed a four blade Stainless Steel Stiletto propeller on my 175 Verado using a Flo-Torque IV hub.
Shifting into either gear produces almost no audible sound. Love it.
jimL

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Author	Topic: Flo-Torq IV Hub Kit Performance
Tom W Clark	posted 06-04-2007 10:13 AM ET (US) Over the last two weekends I have had to opportunity to try out the new Mercury Flo-Torq IV hub kit made for the 135 - 200 HP Verado four stroke outboards. I have one installed on one of my two 1989 Mercury 150 HP motors. The Flo-Torq IV is the big brother to the Flo-Torq III and is designed to alleviate the shift clunk one can suffer with a heavy stainless steel propeller when you shift it into gear. It also is designed to alleviate "prop rattle" while in gear at idle speeds. In the past I have noted that heavy props like the Mercury Revolution 4 (the worst offender) were painful to run on my motors because of the tremendous shift clunk. I also suffer prop rattle even though my motors are two stroke and thus less prone than the new four strokes. I am here to tell you that the Flo-Torq IV completely eliminated the shift clunk when turning a Revolution 4 propeller and resulted in only very faintest hint of prop rattle. I will be equipping the other motor with a Flo-Torq IV kit just as soon as I can get one.
Newtauk1	posted 06-04-2007 11:56 AM ET (US) Tom, I concur. I experienced prop rattle as well when adding a stainless prop to my 75hp Merc. 2 stroke. The new hub assemble eliminated it. The prop rattle was evident when putting the motor into forward gear at very low RPM. (800RPM) when getting out of my dockage. With the two piece hub system I immediately noticed a difference.
Tom W Clark	posted 06-08-2007 10:02 AM ET (US) Newtauk1, I presume you must be running a Flo-Torq III hub kit on your 75 HP. The design of the Flo-Torq III and IV are very similar with the Flo-Torq IV having larger titanium rods for a greater spring rate and thus a greater capacity for heavier props and higher torque.
bigjohn1	posted 06-09-2007 07:56 PM ET (US) Tom, Your recommendation last year for me to switch to a Flo-Torque III to help my shift clunk and prop rattle was excellent advice. I realize you started this thread to report performance of the Flo-Torque IV on the larger engines but I just cant say enough about how much smoother the low-speed performance is with these latest generation hubs.
Newtauk1	posted 06-09-2007 07:59 PM ET (US) Tom, Correct. Flo Torq III. Bought the kit. The plastic spring drive sleeve was a tight fit in my Raptor prop. I was concerned when I jammed it into the prop. I shaved the sides of the sleeve to fit in. Seems to work. NT1
dr john	posted 06-11-2007 10:33 AM ET (US) Tom, are these now available? I searched the web with no luck. Thanks.
Tom W Clark	posted 06-11-2007 10:47 AM ET (US) Yes, the Flo-Torq IV kits have been available for the last year or two. You can order them through Mercury Parts Express, your local dealer or from Ken Reeves of Prop Gods (who has the best price on the Flo-Torq IV kits.) https://www2089.ssldomain.com/propgods/content/index.aspx
dr john	posted 06-12-2007 11:33 AM ET (US) Thank you for the reply.
Henry	posted 06-18-2007 11:25 AM ET (US) Is it correct that the Flo-Torq IV kits are not designed for props such as the Mercury Laser II? Any way to alleviate the shift clunk from this propeller? The prop is on a Mercury 90 hp Saltwater version. Thanks.
Tom W Clark	posted 06-18-2007 11:56 AM ET (US) Henry, No. The Flo-Torq IV will fit any Flo-Torq or XHS propeller including the Laser IIs. If your motor is a 90 HP, then you want to use the Flo-Torq III which is essentially the same design as the Flo-Torq IV but with smaller titanium rods and thus a lower spring rate more appropriate to the intermediate size gearcase motors.
towboater	posted 06-18-2007 01:00 PM ET (US) Tom, Im still trying to get the 19 Guardian goin along with many other projects. Darin, (pro boat repairman) has gone to Alaska fishing for 6 weeks & Jeff (Kodiak and local engine repairs) is in Spokane showing dogs all week. Im bringin the boat back home, I need it running asap. The 17 has been sold...heading south Thurs. Send me terms and info to install the hub kit on my 150 Black Max (formerly Matts engine). 4 blade wheel, I dont have the specs here. thx, mk
mfrymier	posted 06-21-2007 10:47 AM ET (US) towboater -- good to hear that 150 will be back on the water soon!!!!
towboater	posted 06-21-2007 11:33 AM ET (US) Hello Matt. Hows the etec holding up? It's funny, a guy from Sacramento bought the 17. Im expecting his phone call/arrival any minute. My boat repairman/mechanic knows his stuff & is a very nice guy but he has too many coals in the fire. I was told the 19 (your eng) would be ready in time to take it to the Sound Fathers Day weekend. He left for Alaska fishing last week. sigh. So, Ive been forced to "get by" with Dads 24 ft SeaSport XL. 9 days til the Ocean Salmon season opens. mk
Perry	posted 01-29-2009 12:38 PM ET (US) I know this is an old thread but I am looking to put a Flo Torq IV hub kit on my Enertia prop which is mounted on a Honda BF135. I want to reduce the shift clunk and prop rattle at idle. The link Tom provided to Prop Gods didn't work and I couldn't locate the Flo Torq IV on their website. I have found one online for $89 plus shipping. Has anyone found one for less?
Tom W Clark	posted 01-29-2009 03:19 PM ET (US) Carson -- That is a good price for the Flo-Torq IV hub kit. I have some slightly used ones. I could spare one of them if you want to shoot me an email.
Perry	posted 01-29-2009 03:39 PM ET (US) Tom, e-mail sent.
L H G	posted 01-29-2009 05:49 PM ET (US) Carson - I use them in my twin Rev-4's, a very heavy prop which is what they were designed for, and they do a good job of reducing prop rattle at idle speeds on the 200 EFI's. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2025/?action=view& current=Scan0003.jpg But I would not think you would need them for a light weight prop lie the Merc Enertia. maybe your "clunk" is simply a characteristic of the Honda gearcase. I ran an Enertia on my 1988 V-6 150 for a few days, with the standard hub, and found no need for the "IV". It's a great prop, incidentally. I ordered my hubs from my Merc Dealer about 2 years ago, and they were $75 each back then.
Perry	posted 01-29-2009 08:58 PM ET (US) Larry, the Enertia is the only one out of about 6 props I have tried that rattles at idle speeds. The shifting clunk happens with all the stainless steel props I run and I am hoping the Flo Torq IV will reduce this clunk and at the same time eliminate the prop rattle at idle. All my other props have had solid hubs. Can the prop rattle at idle be caused by the Flo Torq II hub? Almost everything was cheaper 2 years ago :-)
Tom W Clark	posted 01-30-2009 12:33 AM ET (US) The Delrin hub insert of the Flo-Torq II hub kit is not very resilient and will not absorb the shift clunk or loading-unloading of prop rattle like the rubber hub of a Flo-Torq I or earlier generation pressed-in rubber hub.
18 Ventura	posted 01-30-2009 09:43 AM ET (US) Based on an earlier discussion on this board, I ordered a Revolution 4 which I plan to install on my 135 OptiMax this spring. The propeller comes with the standard Flo-Torq II w/ bushing kit. Based on the information above, it sounds like I should be considering a Flo-Torq IV kit as well. (I already get a fair amount of prop rattle with the current MiragePlus.) Here’s my question: Is there any harm in trying out the Flo-Torq II kit, or should I just go with the Flo-Torq IV from the start?
Tom W Clark	posted 01-30-2009 09:49 AM ET (US) No, there is no harm at all in trying out the Flo-Torq II hub kit.
18 Ventura	posted 01-30-2009 10:12 AM ET (US) Thanks, Tom. If you’re willing to part with another one of those ‘slightly used’ Flo-Torq IV hubs at a reasonable price, please let me know.
rush	posted 03-05-2009 09:22 AM ET (US) I am resurrecting this thread once again. I just purchased the Flo Torq IV hub for my Revolution 4 prop. Last night I removed the Flo Torq II from the prop and tried to install the FT IV delrin hub assembly. Obviously, the front part of the hub is tight and when I tried to drive it in, the titanium (?) rods started extending from the bottom piece of the hub. That is to say that as I drove the bushing assembly into the prop hub, the back piece closed up on the front piece and the rods poked out the back. I couldn't "pull" the back piece back out to the end of the rods, so I removed it, reset it and am looking for advice. Those of you who have Flo Torq IV hub kits, how did you install the bushing without the rods "poking out" of the assembly? It's probably obvious and I've missed it, but that seems to be my MO. Thanks in advance. Robert
rush	posted 03-05-2009 09:48 AM ET (US) The "duh" factor is setting in. Is the bushing supposed to be set into the hub by the thrust washer when torquing the prop? If so, will that press the bushing all the way into the hub and is the bushing supposed to be in contact with the thrust washer? Hmmm. Thanks, Robert
rush	posted 03-05-2009 09:49 AM ET (US) The "duh" factor is setting in. Is the bushing supposed to be set into the hub by the thrust washer when torquing the prop? If so, will that press the bushing all the way into the hub and is the bushing supposed to be in contact with the thrust washer? Hmmm. Thanks, Robert
Tom W Clark	posted 03-06-2009 10:47 AM ET (US) Robert, When seating the drive sleeve, I use a large flat washer across the end of the drive sleeve. This washer is large enough to cover the ends of the rods and I then use a carriage bolt with its head seated in the hole of the washer to tap the drive sleeve into the prop. Yes, you can rely on tightening the propeller nut to pull all the parts together but I prefer to seat the drive sleeve first. If you do rely on tightening the prop nut to pull it all together, be sure to retighten the prop nut after you have run the prop for the first time.
mikemdd	posted 03-07-2009 09:41 AM ET (US) Tom, Just for clarification, you noted earlier that the Flo Torq IV is designed for larger motors. I have a Trophy Plus 4 blade prop that I use on my Mercury 115HP motor. This is a heavy prop and I currently use the Flo Torq III. The clunk and rattle is reduced but still annoying. Would the Flo Torq IV make sense for this setup? Thanks Mike
Tom W Clark	posted 03-07-2009 11:23 AM ET (US) Mike, The Flo-Torq IV is designed for the large gear case motors (135 HP and up) with their correspondingly larger propellers. The Flo-Torq III is designed for the intermediate gear case motors like yours. The primary difference between these two hubs if the diameter of the eight titanium rods. The Flo-Torq IV rods are larger so they have a stiffer spring rate. The secondary difference is that one of these has the forward half of the drive sleeve fixed relative to the propeller and the other has the aft half fixed relative tothe propeller. I do not remember which is which. There is no physical limitation or rule that says you cannot use a Flo-Torq IV on a smaller motor or vice versa. If you have access to a Flo-Torq IV drive sleeve, go ahead and try it out. I do not think it will help you but there is no harm in experimenting.
Funman	posted 12-06-2009 08:23 PM ET (US) I have a 24' checkmate enforcer with a 454 ci v8. I use a 25 pitch solid hub prop and I have prop clunk when i put it in gear. Will flo-torque IV stop this? Where can I buy the flo-torque IV or do you think flo torque 111 work? I can't find where to buy flo torque3 or 4. Any help? Thanks,,Brad bradley158@charter.net
Tom W Clark	posted 12-07-2009 12:36 PM ET (US) Brad -- No, the Flo-Torq IV is not for your boat. The reason you are running a solid hub is because your motor puts out more torque than a standard Flo-Torq II can handle and the Flo-Torq II can handle more than the Flo-Torq IV. The Flo-Torq III is even less strong, being designed for outboards only up to 115 HP Nominally, the Flo-Torq IV is for motors up to 200 HP only, but I would not hesitate to run them on 225s and 250s as well. A 454 V-8? Now way.
boatdryver	posted 12-07-2009 03:51 PM ET (US) I recently installed a four blade Stainless Steel Stiletto propeller on my 175 Verado using a Flo-Torque IV hub. Shifting into either gear produces almost no audible sound. Love it. jimL