prop not spinning

[tjpries]

I have a 1968 Mercury 100hp outboard with the red band. It ran perfect when I parked it last fall. Now when I start it sitting in the driveway, with the hose hooked up to it- I put it in gear (either forward or reverse) I hear a clicking noise coming from the lower unit, and the prop slowly begins to turn, and when slight pressure is applied to the prop it quits spinning altogether. I have not tried to put it in gear out of the water before, but shouldnt the prop spin fast and have some power behind it? ALso when I turn off the motor, put it in gear, and raise the motor into transport position, I turn the prop by hand I can feel it locking in gear and can actually turn the motor over, so it appears in that position it is locking into gear properly. I dont know that much about these motors but something just isnt right. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Laddies]

Re: prop not spinning

Something has caused a problem in the shift linkage, one of the things not to do is to shift the engine into rev. without it running or some one turning the prop, it will twist the shift shaft--Bob

 

[tjpries]

Re: prop not spinning

Took the boat to the lake to try it and nothing no movemnt forward or reverse.Upon further inspection after removing prop, it seems the big nut with slots is broken in 3 pieces, and the aluminum piece behind that which I believe is the bearing carrier seems to have a few cracks in it as well. DOes that carrier unscrew or does it have to be pulled out? ALso with prop removed and motor running , in gear, I can push the prop shaft in 3/8" inch and then it grabs and I cant hold it from spinning, but when I pull it out it I can easily stop the spinning with my hand. Looks like time for the repair shop? Any help is appreciated

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: prop not spinning

Sounds like you may have had water in the lower unit when it was stored last fall. The water expanded when frozen and cracked the pieces you describe and possibly caused other damage as well.

 

[tjpries]

Re: prop not spinning

I stored it in the vertical position I dont see how water could be trapped in it, I would think it drained out.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: prop not spinning

The problem is water getting in the lower unit from bad seals, which will not drain out, then freezing. One of my fishing buddies had this happen to his old Evinrude last year. Ouch!<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: prop not spinning

Originally posted by tjpries:<br /> I stored it in the vertical position I dont see how water could be trapped in it, I would think it drained out.

Did you change the l/u oil before winter storage? How does it generally look when you change it - any sign of water in the oil?

 

[tjpries]

Re: prop not spinning

to be honest I havent changed it, am new to boating, didnt know. The L/U was dropped last summer and waterpump and seals were changed. I assumed things would be watertight as they should be. Guess I have learned a very valuable and expensive lesson.