Switching to a Fixed Grate

[jasguild]

maybe I should look into a replacement myself. Mine still has the spring loaded one.

Whats the great idea behind the hyrosurge one? The only benefit I see is that you can push your hand in to pull out weeds. is that it?

Jas

 

[jasguild]

been reading about this hydro gate issue and notice a few posts that suggests is really a problem through the year 2002. Is that correct? Was there a design change in 2003?

 

[Dr Honda]

As far as I know... no... there wasn't a design change.


The point of the hydrosurge is that when you get some weeds in the grate... just mash the throttle, and they get sucks though. (So you don't have to get under) If it's something big... like branches... then shut off the engine, and let it fall away.

 

[jasguild]

The point of the hydrosurge is that when you get some weeds in the grate... just mash the throttle, and they get sucks though. (So you don't have to get under) If it's something big... like branches... then shut off the engine, and let it fall away.

Does this mean then that with a fixed grate, I will get more clogs all else being equal?

Jason

 

[henryb]

Based on my experience this year with my new Rock Grate (11 tines... so the gaps between the tines is quite small) I do find that I get weeds caught in it more often then I did with my hydrosurge. But I have used the "go in reverse, turn off ignition, throw it in Forward technique" to let the water rushing thru the impeller backwards to wash out weeds, really does work. I think it's a very small price to pay!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jasguild]

does anyone have any tips on loosening the bolts that hold the grate? I am pretty sure I have the original on mine and am betting it will be a bear to remove

 

[Dr Honda]

I use a small pencil torch to heat the heads, and that will help break any thread locker, and some of the corrosion. Then... I will hit it with some penetrating oil. At that point... they should come apart.

 

[biffdotorg]

Looks like that previous Ebay seller has more than one of those fixed grates as he posted another up for sale as soon as the previous sold. I think it sold at $52 plus $25 shipping. He is starting the next auction at $50 +$25 shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MERCURY...LLE-852962T-/271953285199?hash=item3f51add04f

I would think it would be worth asking if he would ship it with actual shipping costs. As I think $25 is a bit steep.

Total price is still fair compared to what some have paid.

 

[jasguild]

Looks like this one only has 6 tines? Any idea how this compares with the 11 tines version?

 

[biffdotorg]

Looks like this one only has 6 tines? Any idea how this compares with the 11 tines version?

Highly debated in another thread. I think all will agree that there was no noticeable performance difference. The 6-tine cast grate had the same amount of water flow as the 12-tine stainless Rock Grate since the tines were thinner on the Rock Grate.

One member bought the stainless rock grate and took out every other tine. The 6-tine cast grate listed above is the direct replacement for the hydrosurge as far as # of tines and protection. If you boat in a waterway with more rocks, you may want to search for the 12-tine stainless, but they are few and far between. Any fixed grate is better than the hydrosurge from what we have found. I have the 6-tine fixed and notice no performance difference as did those with the 12-tine stainless.

good luck