97 4ohp tracker/force problem

[Barefoot!]

i guess i should start with the fact that i know jack about boat motors

i have a 1997 tracker force 40hp that is not running well. i was switching from reverse to forward a few times quickly trying to line up to the trailer in current and the motor (which was previously running fine) suddenly began to run at (what feels like) half power with full revs. there are/were no metal breaking noises or anything like that. the engine runs pretty smooth...just runs at half power.

i plan on checking for spark (there are 2 spark plugs in this motor....whatever that means ) in a while and am hoping on a coil pack or something easy like that.

i am just wondering at this point what any thoughts might be or directions with this problem.

like i said, i don't know anything about boat motors but i do have plenty of experience with autos.

any help is appreciated!

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 97 4ohp tracker/force problem

IMHO: Full rpm's with half power=spun prop. Half rpms=broken/loose linkage

 

[Barefoot!]

Re: 97 4ohp tracker/force problem

well, i seem to have full rpms with half power. what does spun prop mean? i have heard the term before but dont know what it means

 

[Barefoot!]

Re: 97 4ohp tracker/force problem

ok, googled it....sounds possible as the motor seems to run fine with full rpm's but crap for forward movement.

however, from the descriptions i have read, a spun prop is more intermittent? at least at first. this is constant!

 

[Barefoot!]

Re: 97 4ohp tracker/force problem

so, i removed the prop. the prop nut was not very tight as i was able to hold the prop with one hand and remove the nut with a small breaker bar without any trouble (i am not a body builder).

there is SLIGHT evidence of the prop turning against the thrust washer. i am not sure if it was there before because i didn't notice or know to look. it seems like much less evidence than i would expect to see. you can see on the pictures how you can still see where the carbon build up shows where the prop was.

i put the motor in forward gear. if i turn the prop clock wise it clicks and turns freely (like it always has). if i turn it ccw, it feels like you are turning the engine over (like when you turn the crank bolt of an auto-hard, then gets easy...repeat).

so, i am not sure what to make of it all. i have seen pictures of what to look for on the net but i dont have a visible rubber part/washer/gasket or whatever you call it to my prop.

here are some pictures of the prop and one with the thrust bearing.

any more thoughts?

 

[Barefoot!]

Re: 97 4ohp tracker/force problem

moderators please move this to mercury as this motor is a force series by mercury...my bad

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 97 4ohp tracker/force problem

Take an indelible marker a make a line from center of hub to outside of hub. Run it. If it's a spun prop the mark won't be one line anymore.