Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

[DayCruiser]

Merc Cruiser 1989 engine 130 hp 4 cyl. First run of the season. Went out for a few hours. Slowly approached dock then I believe I put it in neutral. Then reversed it. Heard a loud squealing noise and then quickly no reverse. Sounded like the non stop squealing was coming from the out drive. I didn't try forward. So I started it again in the slip(with neutral button pushed in) and let it run a few seconds and the engine sounding like it was turning slower but no squealing noise. Now I had reverse when I went out. Sounded to me like something in the out drive stripped and/or froze up? On the way back too, I had it at 2500 rpms and it felt like it was dragging. Not going as fast as usual.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[jearl]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

engine coupler spun?

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

That could be it jearl. Thanks for the input

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

Would the engine coupler make a grinding sound or a squealing sound or both? Cause it to run in a labored way? Just seemed to be dragging on the way back. Couldn't tell on the way on the way up because of the high winds. I was hoping it would be a spun prop hub. I didn't try to put it in forward or reverse anymore. Just cranked it with the neutral button pushed in and it ran like something was putting a drag on it.
No over heating issues during the trip. Although it heated to summer time temps, the last 30 minutes of the trip(at idle). Thought that was odd because of the chilly water temps. I though it was because of the dragging effect. Making the engine work harder?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

The spun coupler is only the end result, I would bet the outdrive is locked up which is why the engine is laboring.
Pull the outdrive and see if you can turn the input shaft.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

Ayuh,... Drain the drive oil, 'n look for debris..

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

Ok will do Don. What would cause the outdrive to lock down? I usually pump the oil in there every year but hadn't done it this year yet. Still it shouldn't be empty? Must be normal wear and tear after many years? Thanks again!

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

Don't spend a lot of time with "What if" type questions. Do the checking to find out what the problem is, then find out what caused it. A drive could lock up for a lot of reasons, including a log between the prop and the drive.
Look at the coupler, pull the drive and see if it turns. Then we can figure out why your problem occurred if possible.

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

Ok good idea on not dwelling on the whys Don. I have somebody coming to help me tow it to a ramp this week

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

you could try pulling the top cap off the sterndrive whilst its at home and see if oil is present and if not gears may be shot and causing a lot of friction.only a two minute job to have a browse and may not even get your hands dirty.let us know the result?

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: Outdrive Squealing and then no Reverse

Took off the top and the gears look fine. Full of oil. Going to check the footing next. Ya looks like the engine coupler. Propeller was a little bit bent for some unknown reason. Turned it over to a mechanic. Beyond my know how. Thanks for the information