I have 1997 25 HP Mercury (oil/gas mix motor). The engine runs great, except for a slight timing issue since I had some carb. work last summer. A few months back I took the motor off to do some transom work on my boat. When I put the motor back on and attached the water hose, the motor started right up.<br /><br />The next day, I took it out to go duck hunting and again it started right up...no problems. So I'm idling out and start to give it gas, just about the time the boat starts to plane the prop spins out as if something is stripped. At first I thought I was still in shallow water and the prop was stuck in some moss, but that certainly wasn't it.<br /><br />When in forward gear (engine off), the prop will turn in the proper direction with a slight clicking sound which I was told is normal. When trying to turn the other direction, it won't spin which I was also told is normal.<br /><br />I hadn't changed the lower unit oil in almost a year, but I thought that was OK considering my usage. I checked after the fact and it looked fine, ie. no shavings or other foreign objects.<br /><br />I'm not the greatest mechanic and am curious if this sounds fixable without the help of a pro (aside from parts, of course). I want my motor fixed, I just can't justify the $200-300 a mechanic will charge unless it is absolutely necessary.<br /><br />Thanks in advance to your respones.<br /><br />BW
