Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

[schak]

In neutral the prop is stationary as it should, but in forward or reverse detent (the first stops from neutral?) the prop is spinning pretty fast. Just got new shift cable install not to long ago, is this normal?

This is my first boat and just barely got it, so be gentle with me.

TIA

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

What drive, etc?

Are you talking about with the engine running on muffs? If so, then yes, when in gear with the engine running - even in idle, the prop will spin very fast.

 

[schak]

Re: Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

It's a Penta SX drive. Yes, I've been testing on muffs. But in the water the boat is moving ~1-2mph in forward detent.

I've been reading various post that mention you should be able to turn the prop to varify it is in gear in forward or reverse detent. Obviously in my case, with the prop spinning, that shouldn't be attempted.

TIA

 

[Don S]

Re: Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

In neutral the prop is stationary as it should, but in forward or reverse detent (the first stops from neutral?) the prop is spinning pretty fast.

That is what it's supposed to do, the detents are the gears. Either forward or reverse, and the prop BETTER spin when you put it in gear, and yes the boat will move 1-2 mph. When you put a car in gear it will move also except with a car, you have a break pedel you can push. Boats don't have them ya know.
After the detent, you have throttle that makes it go faster. If you push the lever past the detent, the engine rpm will increase, and the boat will go faster.

 

[TommyA]

Re: Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

That would be with the engine off you could confirm if the engine was in gear by turning the prop.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

Obviously you DO NOT want to mess with the prop with the engine running. Even in neutral, because there is enough internal friction to cause the prop to spin. However that friction is not enough to move the boat in neutral. In gear (forward or reverse) the prop is being driven by the engine and will move the boat at about 1 - 2 mph forward, or less than that in reverse. The test you were reading about are checks to make sure the outdrive is or is not in gear. With the engine off you turn the prop by hand. If you can turn it and it spins freely, the out drive is not in gear. If you can't turn it is in gear. The prop may ratchet if turned turned in the forward direction but should lock when turned in the reverse direction.

 

[Don S]

Re: Should the prop spin in forward or reverse detent?

He states the prop does not spin when in neutral, it only spins when he puts it in gear, either forward or reverse the prop spins and the boat moves. This happens on muffs, and in the water it makes the boat move.

I must be missing something here, cause I thought that is what was supposed to happen when you put it in gear.