165hp mercuiser runs great but stalls when put into gear

[bhatfield]

Ok so got my boat out this year and ran into some issues. Its a 1976 rinkerbuilt, 165hp inline GM 6cyl, alpha one (gen 1). Did a fresh tune up, motor starts and runs excellent. As soon as I put in gear (forward or reverse) it stalls immediately. Ive seen the posts about shift cables and interupt switches. I don't really know what im looking for though. The switch is there and no broken. The cable is free and not sticking. At least it looks free, it slides smoothly and I can see it moving the lever. A boat guy that I know came and looked at it. He is telling me that my lower unit is seized up and thats what is causing my problem. Just seems really strange to me. The outdrive doesn't really seem like it trying to engage. I would think that the unit would at least bang or jerk or attempt to go into gear. SOMEONE THAT IS SMARTER THAN ME PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 165hp mercuiser runs great but stalls when put into gear

No such thing as a cable that "looks" free. Disconnect the one that goes to the drive and work it by hand, should move without much effort.

 

[bhatfield]

Re: 165hp mercuiser runs great but stalls when put into gear

Ok, so I went out and disconnected the cable. It moves in and out nice and smooth. Doesn't seem to be binding at all. I'm thinking thats the bad news huh???

 

[Kainon]

Re: 165hp mercuiser runs great but stalls when put into gear

Ok. so the cable moves.. now with the engine Off.. see if you can spin the prop.. does it make any clicking sounds? or does it spin easy and quietly.

If so then move the cable and put the drive in forward, the prop should lock in counter-clockwise, and have a rachet sound and feel to it.. ( remember this ) now do the same with the drive in reverse, the prop should lock clockwise and rachet counter-clockwise ( and feel and sound the same as forward )..

If you can do that, but can't run in gear, then I'd confirm you have a problem with the lower, probably a broken gear or seized bearing, or broken peice of bearing (happened to me).

you can drain the oil, remove the lower and check by hand.