V6 excel lower unit?

[craker]

I was out yesterday and on my way back in ran into an issue w/ my motor. Ineed some advice on the diagnosis. I can run at idle speed just fine but when I try to get on plane the motor goes to nuetral. I have checked the linkage and it seems fine both at the engine and the control. The control is engaged and not slipping and the engine linkage is is fully engaged and not slipping. Is my lower unit shot?
I put the boat on the lift and ran it with the ears on. The motor ran in gear at throttle up just fine. so when the water resistance is added the motor slips That makes me think it is the lower unit. any help is appreaciated
Greg

 

[dontask]

Re: V6 excel lower unit?

My 1989 2.6 Excel did the same thing coming back from Bimini a couple years ago. I throttled up almost on plane and it let loose. I thought from years of other outboard prop failures that slowly let loose that this must have been a gear failure. Turned out that the prop I was using was the type that is pressed and glued in place. The glue let loose and the prop was worthless to even idle back. In short the prop was my only problem. 15 years on my V6 Excel lower unit and no rebuild needed , and the present owner is on 20 years with no rebuild. Good luck

 

[rodbolt]

Re: V6 excel lower unit?

I agree , check the prop hub first.
and I totally agree with dontask's tag line.