prop turning while in "neutral" ????

[jb71]

While troubleshooting a problem with my boat (see post "4.3L Mercruiser starting problem") I noticed that while in "neutral" my prop was spinning. I am new to boating, but, thanks to some good advice from this forum, I was doing some troubleshooting on what I thought to be a carb problem. I had the muffs hooked up and water on and I depressed the "throttle only" button on my throttle. I got her cranked up, however, the prop was spinning while it was supposedly in "neutral".<br /><br />As I stated before, I am new to boating (inherited this boat recently from father-in-law), but prop spinning while in neutral does not seem right to me. Is this normal, if not what could be the problem??? The prop RPM's did accelerate as I gave it more gas, it was not a slow spin. The boat is a 1989 Sea Ray with 4.3L Mercruiser/Alpha.<br /><br />Any ideas/info???<br /><br />Thanks<br />Jeff

 

[MrBill]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

A shift/throttle cable adjustment should fix the problem...it's a rather quick repair for an experienced mechanic, often problematic for the novice. One note...don't start the engine of a boat out of water with the prop on...remove the prop for ANY out of water engine starts!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

I disagree.....<br />That's totally Normal.... It's the gears, with the oil turning the prop... It's Not In gear... Is the prop Easy to turn by hand with the motor Off ???????<br />It's just free wheeling, turning because of the Oil Resisstence.....<br />I also think it's going overboard with the saftey thing to remove the prop when out of water...<br /><br />Go Boating,+ Have FUN.... You Don't have a Problem....

 

[pete42]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

My prop does that too..I have my drive tilted down as far as possible to allow garden hose/muffs to flow through outdrive..My prop "free wheels" ..but since my exhaust is blowing out it is hitting prop thus making it turn.....Pete42

 

[jb71]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

Once again...Thanks folks.<br /><br />Jeff

 

[MrBill]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

I have always respected Bondo opinions...he's definitely a pro, but every outdrive I've owned comes to a dead stop when put in neutral...in or out of the water, with or without prop. And yes, if you're real careful you could start with the prop on...but whenever someone says they're a novice that's my advice, maybe I'm a little too cautious.......

 

[jb71]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

Ok, you guys have me wondering now. Bondo the prop is very easy to turn by hand. Do you think it is turning just because it has no resistance??? It seemed to be spinning at a pretty good rate of speed.<br /><br />I assumed there to be a safety interlock of some sort that would not allow the boat to start unless the prop was disengaged is this correct? I just don't want to get this baby back on the water and it be in gear when I think it is in neutral. (My last trip out I don't remember it acting like it was in gear when I had the "throttle only" button depressed, so I am hoping that Bondo is correct on this one)

 

[Bondo]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

If you can turn the prop by hand in Neutral, Then It's IN Neutral............<br />It's the internal resistance of the Gears,+ Oil.....<br />You're being anal about Nothing.......<br />Go Boating,+ Have FUN...!!!!!!

 

[pecothern]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

I bet if you look at the prop in the water in neutral it will not be turning due to the resistance from the water . I'm sure if it wasn't shifting into neutral on the water you would have noticed it. What Bondo is talking about is the gear has your prop shaft going through it and even though in neutral the shaft and gear and gear aren't locked together the gears are turning and can be dragging the shaft with it a little when the prop has no external resistance.<br /><br />You should still kill your engine when someone is boarding in the back because even though it sounds fine now one day,.......... cables do get out of adjustment. and it wouldn't be pretty

 

[chris in va]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

I have to agree with Bondo. My small outboard does the same exact thing, and I know for a fact it's in neutral. It's just the thick 80-90w oil turning the shaft.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: prop turning while in "neutral" ????

want to prove it? tie prop back with some light twine, fishing line.