Prop spinning in neutral

[vandy21]

Took the boat out for the test launch yesterday and when I started the engine it started reving really loud until the alarm went off and I shut it off. All off this was in neutral just sitting on the trailer. So I didnt launch it, but then today I hooked it up to the earmuffs and started it up. Same thing, prop turning in neutral. My only idea is that when I hooked up the controls I pulled the throttle closer to hook up the cables so it may be trying to rev in neutral. I'm not sure, any ideas? Also forgot to mention its a 1988 Johnson 140hp model # J140CXCC.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

When starting a boat out of the water the prop will normally pinwheel in neutral there's no torqe it just sorta freewheels along from the whip action of the lube being churned within the gearhousing, especially with the revs your dealing with, better check the throttle control linkages.

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

ok, I'll check them. Yeah this isn't just turning slightly, its turning really fast!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

Are you sure it is actually in neutral ??
Done any other work on it recently ?? like removing the lower unit and disconnecting the shift linkage ??

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

Yeah, its in neutral. I just recently hooked it up to my boat haven't run it yet. I did hook up the shift linkage myself, possible I shifted it while trying to connect the cable? If so, how will I know where neutral is?

 

[creative993]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

how do you post in the forum as a new topic. I am a newbie on this site.

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

there's a blue button that says "create new post" that's above the forum, but below the ads.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

You have to go to the top of the page and click boating forums and get out of this thread...


If you can spin the prop it's in neutral, if in gear the prop wont spin.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

Yeah, its in neutral. I just recently hooked it up to my boat haven't run it yet. I did hook up the shift linkage myself, possible I shifted it while trying to connect the cable? If so, how will I know where neutral is?

O.K. so put it in "neutral" without the motor running and try and turn the prop in both directions a couple of rotations.
Let us know how you make out.

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

with the controls in neutral, I can turn the prop by hand in both directions pretty easily.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

with the controls in neutral, I can turn the prop by hand in both directions pretty easily.

Several rotations in each direction ??

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

I only did about 4 or 5 in each direction before stopping. I can go out and try more if needed.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

I only did about 4 or 5 in each direction before stopping. I can go out and try more if needed.

Good enough. It should be actually in neutral when you start it then. You say you just hooked up the cables ?? for the first time ??

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

Yes, I just replaced the stringers and deck and such and I bought a new engine and controls and hooked them up myself, so I probably did something wrong haha.

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

any ideas? I hate to be persistent, and I am grateful for all of the advice thus far, I'm just really hoping to get out on the water soon.

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

I believe I fixed it. When I put my throttle cable on, I pulled the throttle so when I was starting it, it was already spinning. Thanks a lot Ken and a70.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

Glad all is well. Good find !!

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

Took the boat out for the test launch yesterday and when I started the engine it started reving really loud until the alarm went off and I shut it off. All off this was in neutral just sitting on the trailer. So I didnt launch it, but then today I hooked it up to the earmuffs and started it up. Same thing, prop turning in neutral. My only idea is that when I hooked up the controls I pulled the throttle closer to hook up the cables so it may be trying to rev in neutral. I'm not sure, any ideas? Also forgot to mention its a 1988 Johnson 140hp model # J140CXCC.

really hope you wernt starting motor on trailer without water at the launch!

 

[vandy21]

Re: Prop spinning in neutral

really hope you wernt starting motor on trailer without water at the launch!

no, no, I had the boat in the water, but was still resting on the trailer.