Drive Loss

[makoshako]

At ~80% power with my '92 Mercruiser, the drive was loss. It almost felt like I hit a crab pot or something. The boat stopped and then would not go into forward or reverse. Is it possible that there is a shift linkage problem, or have I spun a gear? What would be the best first step to diagnose the problem(s). Thanks in advance.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Drive Loss

With the engine off, put the drive in foreward gear & see if you can turn the prop ccw without locking, if you can then you have internal problems.....
Did it overheat?.......​

 

[makoshako]

Re: Drive Loss

Thanks Haut,

Pulled the dip stick and there was metal shavings (yikes!) and then I popped the top cover and saw that the gears had had a fight (yikes again!!). If the outdrive overheated I was unaware of it. The gear case oil seemed a little low, but it has not been leaking.

So, the question now is what to do next. Is it common that those gears go after a while (say 15 years)? When they do go, do they cause collateral damage? Is this a job that a modest do-it-your-selfer should tackle? What is a typical service fee for having the upper case repaired. Should I get a rebuilt one or new. Sorry about all of the questions, but I think at this point if I don't hit the post button, I will have some more. Jeez.

Thanks again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Drive Loss

When they do go, do they cause collateral damage?

Ayuh,...... All that loose Metal is now All thru the Drive,..... Including the Lower.......

Is this a job that a modest do-it-your-selfer should tackle?

To Remove,+ Replace,..... Sure.......
The Clean, Inspect to Spec's,+ Rebuild accordingly,........ No, Not Really.....

Should I get a rebuilt one or new.

With the Price of the New Aftermarket drives hovering around $1500.00.........
You Can't afford to Rebuild your's..........................