Volvo DPS prop shaft rotates freely when in forward gear??

[DougP121]

When removing the props the prop spins free with drive in gear. Rotation is locked as expected when in reverse. I noticed this when attempting to remove the props to drain the gear oil. (used a block of wood to get prop off) outside of this drive seems fine and was running well throughout the season. Drive off boat, on stand in garage. Any ideas on why this would be and is it a symptom of something else. Thanks for any input.

 

[dypcdiver]

Yes it will, now try it in reverse gear!

 

[DougP121]

Rotation is expected in reverse. Outer shaft locked up when rotating counter clockwise, inner locked when rotating clockwise.

When in forward both shafts rotate in both directions, no lock.

 

[dypcdiver]

Sounds like an adjustment problem, remove the cover on the outdrive and check the mechanism for the gear change cable. Remove the cable end and try the gear change cam by hand. You should be able to select the gears forward N and reverse.

 

[DougP121]

Have done that mannuelly shifting at the drive. Same results as with the shift at the helm

 

[dypcdiver]

Just re-read your fist post, the drive will not lock with it off the boat as the drive shaft is free to rotate. Whilst on the boat you are trying to turn the engine with the prop.
If you need to lock it for some reason, then you might be able to use a pipe wrench on the UJ or jam a bar in there. However I really do not recommend it.

 

[K-2]

Good catch!!!!! 36 of us read the OP and missed it, so much for reading comprehension and retention

 

[DougP121]

Thanks All - just to try to clarify - the prop shaft rotated (did not lock as it had in the past and as I expected it to) while on the boat IN forward. It locked as expected for the inner drive while in reverse, again, while on the boat. Subsequently removed drive from boat it is the same as when on - locked in reverse, does not lock when in forward (manually shifted on the drive).

My question - is the fact that when in forward, that the prop shaft no longer locks (it locks as expected when in reverse on and off the boat) a symptom of something wrong?

 

[Fun Times]

Probably not a problem at this time to be concerned with.

Sometimes after shifting back and forth on the upper unit a few times while you're only turning prop shaft by hand, you will stop getting a lock in the opposite direction due to the upper input shaft is not turning fast enough to (let's call it) hydraulically move the two floating gears up or down for full engagement.

Shifting is really only recommended to be done while the engine is running...I.E. the input shaft is turning at a steady RPM to properly engage forward/neutral/reverse gear.

While the drive is off the boat, you could try turning the upper input shaft by hand to see if you get your shifting back in the other direction. Sometimes you will....If not, you'll have to wait till you restart the engine to know for sure.

Let us know, good luck.