Help ..start in reverse not neutral ?

[Madness181]

Folding prop meant in reverse, accidently started engine before putting in to neutral, immediately realised seconds after startup and move to neutral..
lots of vibration and now seems ok I think...what damage might I have induced ??

[JimsCAL]

Probably OK. Vibration was probably from the prop not being fully open or fully closed. The Martec folder blades are not geared together and if both blades don't open, the vibration can be pretty scary.

[capecodda]

I've done this by accident with a Maxprop. Yup, it makes a scary loud vibration noise. Never did any damage. I think you're OK as well.

[SEMIJim]

You should be fine. The prop does work in reverse, you know . Probably what JimsCAL said: The blades deploying unequally due to the low speed.

Jim

[Madness181]

a) Good to know I am not only one
b) noise and rattle and vibration was alarming

Thank you for peace of mind.

[Faster]

Common issue... happens most often when the prop comes to rest on a vertical axis and the lower blade hangs down, with the upper blade in the 'folded' position, both due to gravity.

Slowly turning the shaft from that position often does not provide enough centrifiugal force to properly open both blades. The vibration from this huge imbalance feels like it could tear the strut out, and indeed might do so if allowed to continue at speed.

The 'lower blade dropping' can happen at drifting boat speeds too, that's why racers mark the shaft in relationship to the blades and make sure the prop blades are oriented horizontally so they won't 'fall open' when drifting....