Prop and shifting trouble

[mikeroe]

I have 2 problems from 1 incident. I have an 83 3.8 OMC stern drive. I was cruising around 15 to 20 in about 10' of water. I hit a sand bar. I shifted into neutral and when I did m bow dropped and the stern raised and floated me right over it. Being new to boating I thought that I had dodged a running aground situation. When I tried trailering my boat I noticed it was hard shifting into neutral d back into forward or reverse. Plus I have a chip on my prop. Can my aluminum prop be fixed. I haven't had a chance to go over my lower unit so I will leave that question until I get a closer look at it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Prop and shifting trouble

Yes an alum.prop can be fixed so can stainless.
Shifting really shouldn't have been affected unless you dented the lower???
You jam the shifter in flight? Wish I could have seen that.Glad your OK.
You'll need to take the drive off and check the linkage?
Pics??

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Prop and shifting trouble

there's no linkage outside the drive, but sounds like something got messed up with the lower cable/ESA system. You want to do a visual along the lenght of the shift cable as much as you can see.

check lower unit and drain lower unit oil to see how it looks. Look for any evidence of a bent propshaft.
Maybe run through the cable adjustment if everything looks good-
OMC Stringer Shift System Troubleshooting - Crowley Marine
OMC Stringer Nominal Neutral Adjustment - Crowley Marine

aluminum props can be fixed or exchanged anywhere marine parts are sold - you'll probably get a new one cheaper on iboats though. Then you can keep the chipped one for a spare.

 

[mikeroe]

Re: Prop and shifting trouble

I didn't so much jam the shifter. I just powered down suddenly. But it did scare the heck out of me. I'm guessing that's still not a good thing for the out drive.

 

[mikeroe]

Re: Prop and shifting trouble

I have never had this apart before. Can I remove the lower unit while still attached to the out drive.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Prop and shifting trouble

Your not gonna get the lower off easily or at all..
You need to take the whole drive off and then split them.