Engine starts but prop won't turn

[Part Time Patty]

I am new to owning a boat and really know nothing. I have a 1992 mercruiser v6 4.3 engine. Started fine, but sounded a little off. We pulled away from the dock then the prop quit turning. After getting it out of the water we found a nearly empty fluid container (not the oil). Don't know if that was the cause of the problem but suspect it might be. What fluid might that be?? Container looks kind of like a power steering one in a car. or, maybe that has nothing to do with it.... What would keep the prop from turning??? Thanks for any help you can offer

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

The hub of the prop might be toast! Examine the prop hub and make sure the shaft is not turning and just leaving the prop still.<br /><br />OR<br /><br />It could be the coupler between the outdrive and the engine.<br /><br />OR<br /><br />Your linkage might not be working and you are actually not going into gear.<br /><br />Investigate and get an outdrive manual.<br /><br />Bob

 

[golfer]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

I am betting on a blown coupler...If it is, buy one on ebay rather than from marina, you will save $200 or so...Cost to repair should be in the neigborhood of $400 labor, $175/$375 for the part depending on where you buy it...Good luck.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

got a spare prop? put that one on & see if it turns. if it does the other one has spun it's hub. process of elimination. i'll bet that's what the problem is. let's us know how u make out.

 

[Juancho]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

PTPatty,<br /><br />More importantly then fixing the prop, you need to read the manual for your boat first. Better yet, take it to a mechanic and get it summarized. Every single fluid reservoir should be full. A boat is nothing like a car. It takes a lot time and attention to keep it running properly. If you are not mechanically inclined, then it takes a lot of money. <br />I like to think a boat is similar to an airplane. Would you fly a small plane without going through a preflight checklist, and giving it a thorough inspection? <br />As for your prop, if it is spun, and that is the only thing wrong with your boat then I think you are lucky. Either way, I would not go out in the boat again if I were you, before reading the manual and servicing the engine and outdrive.

 

[Part Time Patty]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

Thanks guys...I have more info on the problem now and somewhere to start looking for answers. This is a boat that was basically given to us, so I can't complain. It had been just sitting for 2 years. I have a manual ordered, but haven't recieved it yet. ....anyways, my husband will pull the prop and look at it tonight. Your replies will give him something to look for. Thanks again.

 

[starcrafter]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

Check the linkage and make sure when you shift into gear that it is engaging the linkage to the lower unit. I took my boat out for the first time this year Sat. and it wouldn't go into gear. I saw that the linkage wouldn't engage and

 

[starcrafter]

Re: Engine starts but prop won't turn

Sorry hit the wrong button. Anyway my shifter wouldn't engage my linkage and had to adjust. Works fine now. Good Luck.