Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

[Boatinjones]

I have an 88 bayliner contessa with twin 305s. Volvo Penta Never had this problem before. The boat is moored and just reciently i noticed that when I put the boat in reverse the props come out of the water (never had this problem before.) I hold the switches down completly in the cabin and on the flybridge, but they will not lock into position, on both motors. Those pump motors are around 300 dollars too. Could I be doing something wrong? I have been messing with it for a couple hours. Reverse, forward, neutral will not lock in place

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

Just to be clear . . . we are talking outdrives . . . not outboard motors :noidea: ???

By design they are supposed to swing up when encountering an impact force. . . . so they don't really 'lock' into place.

However, they should not very easily swing up just because you are in reverse. . . I suppose if you give it quite a bit of power in reverse, they will swing up. . . . It sounds like this is a new situation, so maybe something has gone wrong with the hydraulics . . . I would be checking for leaks, etc.

 

[captmello]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

Even though you may have hydraulic tilt and trim, those outdrives most likely have the old style reverse lock mechanism. It does seem odd that both locks would fail at the same time. It sounds like someone is going to have to get in the water and inspect the lock mechanisms. Do you know what model outdrives you have?

#45 in this breakdown is the reverse lock.

Intermediate Housing: Spa : SPA - 7745640 - Volvo Penta

I wouldn't think buying new lock assemblies is necessary, but it would be the first thing I would check. it could be as easy as a broken spring...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

Double post

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse



#37 first pic #8 second pic.
Call sterndrive or outdrive or I/O
The lock mechanisim is probably dirty/corroded.
Even as far as the screwdrive on the tilt corroded or missing a part.
See the attached pics.
Always add the model# and type of drive?? 275/270 290 etc???
The lock mechanisim is usually the same.
I think the whole kit is around $800? Maybe you can fix them or get just the locking paul???

 

[Don S]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

+1 on what JerryJerry05 and captmellow said about the lockdown mechanism.

Since you say the boat is moored and you are in Olympia, I would bet you are in saltwater and the boat hasn't been out of the water in some time. The lockdown mechanism or the activating linkage is probably covered with barnacals which will prevent it from activating when put into reverse. Seen this happen many times over the years.

If they are worn out, you can get a lockdown rebuild kit for $342 here at iboats. PN 876265

 

[Boatinjones]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

I dont get down to the boat as often as I would like. I know I have to change the zinks badly, so Im hoping that it is barnacles Don. There are no leaks as the oil is still full. But those trim motors sure dont look in the best of shape since they are 27 years old but they are expensive. I t talked to a mecanic and he said that those motors rarely go bad. Thank you everyone for your input, any other
thoughts are welcome.I will let everyone know what the provlem is or was once I do get back to boatin

 

[Don S]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

The lockdown mechanism has nothing to do with the trim motors, and the trim motors are inside the boat, not outside.

If the lockdown is not working, the trim cylinders will come up with the bracket and the drive.

 

[Boatinjones]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

So it sounds like I have to get the boat out of the water in order to see what the problem is, and what you are saying Don is that the trim motors that are on the inside of the boat would be noticable if not working correctly right Don? The light on the dash do light up when I trim the motors up from the dashboard and go out when I lower them. But I do not hear any trim motors run nor do I see the outboards come out of the water like they do in reverse.This is my first boat and i'm learning thhe ins and outs of saltwater mooring. Another question is how often should I change my zinks?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

Ok, before we go any further, let's make sure what you actually have.

What is the model number of your engine and the model of your drive? Then we can stop guessing as to what you have.

Trust me, twin 305's in an 88 Bayliner only gives us a basic starting point.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

I had an 88/32 with 260's.They came with 280 drives.
No hydrolics Just the standard(cheap) setup.
No trim just tilt.
Yes you'll need to pull the boat.
Untill then??? Have someone operate the switch while you get in the engine compartment.
Operate the switches while holding the motors.
It'd be rare both motors go bad at the same time????
They are easy to take off, I believe a 1/4 in allen wrench.
Remove them and test.The case of the motor is the ground.

 

[Boatinjones]

Re: Outboard motors come out of water in reverse

Ok guys just now got the boat out to see if i can figure it out. turns out it needed a good power wash to get all the crud off. Then only the port sidr was operating correctly but the starbord side lookks like it is missing a spring locking mechanism on the back of the outboard. so now i guess I have to track down this spring thing and pull it out again and replace it. Thanks to everyone for their responce, this is an exelent website with so many people that know there stuff. Thanks again sorry it took so long to get back