'79 Mercruiser 898 prop engage problem

[comptechie]

I just bought a 79 Glastron with a mercruiser 989. The current problem that I am facing after the last test run is this... Once out on the water and shifting it into forward the prop does not seem to engage all the way. When in low idle it will troll around ok, but upon increasing the throttle you hear what sounds somewhat like a grinding noise and it will not pick up any speed. When going into reverse it seems to engage no problem. My first thought was that it was the shifting cable. When working on it at home I shifted it all the way into forward and and tried spinning the prop in the opposite direction. It wouldn't budge one was but would the other, just as it is suppose to. Same result when going into reverse. So that leads me to believe the cable is engaging the gears.

I was told this might have something to do with the rubber where to prop mounts, but I am unsure. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Here is a pick of where the prop is attached, as you can see there is some rubber that does not look right, and is easily peeled off.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: '79 Mercruiser 898 prop engage problem

Yes, that does not look right, put a new prop on or have it redone at a prop shop & post back with your results.....
If it locks in gear like you say, there should be no drive issues.....
Welcome to iboats, btw....​

 

[Bondo]

Re: '79 Mercruiser 898 prop engage problem

Ayuh,...

That sure looks like a Spun prop hub,.....
And I'm sure it's Part of your problems....
But,...
It shouldn't be making any Grinding sounds when engaged....

Change the Prop,+ try it again....
If you still get the Grinding,... Try shifting it from the shift plate where the 2 cables come together, near the motor....


Btw,.... That's an 898, not a 989....