Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

[Riverrat63]

I have a problem I would like to get some advice on my problem if possible?<br />Last weekend I had a rope get caught in my prop, and I think I got in some shallow water and may have hit something with my prop. Regardless how how it happened, here is my problem. <br /><br />After this occurred I was going back to the dock and when I would give my boat gas to go faster it seemed to slow down...then when I gave it less gas it seemed to hook up enough to let me go about no wake speed and get back.<br /><br />After I got the boat home and pulled the prop off and removed the rope, I shift into forward and at the prop shaft I can turn the prop. With the prop OFF I can turn the shaft as well and I get a "clicking" sound about every 1/4 turn. When in reverse, the prop shaft doesn't turn (with the prop on or off) as would be expected due to the engine compression causing the resistance.<br />Everything seems normal in neutral because I can turn the prop and shaft forward or reverse with no resistance. <br />I have seen in other forums, that it's possible it would be a problem at the prop hub level, but since the prop shaft is able to spin in forward gear I would assume that I need to look at something on another level. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

I believe the prop will ratched counterclock wise on force motors when in forward gear. Sounds like you spun your prop. To test draw a line on the prop nut and prop with fingernail polish or perm magic marker. Run motor and when slipping occurs look at prop and see if the line between the prop and the prop nut still line up

 

[Riverrat63]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Thanks for the input Eurolarva. If all I need is a hub rebuild I'm in good shape, as I have a spare prop laying around. The thing that concerned me is that when I turn it (propshaft)clockwise, not counterclockwise like you just mentioned, it makes the ratcheting sound.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

usually when you hear the rachiting sound it is not fully in gear. When it is between forward and neutral you will hear this sound. Try taking the spark plugs out and turn flywheel by hand clockwise while engaging it into forward gear. IF you still hear the ratching sound while spining prop forward you may have damaged your forward gear or forward clutch dog.

 

[Riverrat63]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Eurolarva...I did exactly what you suggested above. I took the spark plugs out, shifted it into forward and turned the flywheel clockwise and counter clockwise...and didn't get any of the ratcheting sound I heard before. To take it a step further I left everything as was and turned it down at the propshaft again and got it. At this point would you recommend throwing my spare prop on it, get the boat in the water and see what happens? Is there anything I can check with out getting it in the water?<br />Thanks!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Something is not right. There should be no clicking sounds with unit in gear. My guess is the next step is to remove lower unit from motor and see if the shift linkage is broken. After removing the lower unit shift in forward and see if the clicking sounds go away. I own a chrysler so the linkage is different. If it were a chrysler I could tell you the next step but the shift linkage is different so hopefully a force person can help you with the next step. <br /><br />You can try putting it in the water but my guess is it will be a wasted trip.'<br /><br />Maybe do this. Put shifter dead center in neutral does prop spin smoothly in either direction with no clicking?

 

[Riverrat63]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Eurolarva...When it's in dead center neutral it doesn't make the ratcheting sound, and yes it does spin smoothly. <br />Regarding above...I just want to make sure when you said to turn the flywheel you meant my hand?Which is what I did.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Yes by hand with plugs out. YOu should never turn the flywheel counterclockwise and remove the plugs for safety reasons. It sounds as though your shift linkage, forward gear, clutch or pivot housing has some damage. You are going to have to take lower unit off. Try seeing if you can get it to go into forward gear with lower unit off.

 

[Riverrat63]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Spun a prop, all is good now. <br /><br />Thanks for the input!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Prop shaft spins in forward. 99 Force 120

Sorry. I assumed that when you had the clicking sound from the prop shaft that the prop was removed. Glad it was only a spun prop.