Is my lower unit shot???

[Tyski]

Hi,<br /> I have a 1993 Mariah 4.3 LX/V6 with a Mercruiser Alpha 1 (Serial # 04035340). Towards the end of the summer last year, I was cruising along going about 20 mph, when the boat came to a complete hault. After winterzing and now dewinterizing to find out my problem from last year I find that the boat will start, but the prop is not turning at all when I put it in gear. The engine will "rev" up, but no turn in the prop. (reverse or forward). I'm hoping it might be something as simple as the shift cable, and not the lower unit, which I know from a past boat isn't cheap! Thanks a lot in advance for the info!

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

is the prop shaft turning? might just be spun hub.

 

[llerrad]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

Don't you here that thunk when it goes into gear? If not then shifter cable it might be.

 

[Tyski]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

Thanks for the replys! I went out today and hooked the garden hose up, and removed the prop and the shaft isn't turning either. When I go to put it into gear their isn't that regular "clunk" noise that I used to get either. Here is another thing that I found out too.. When I have the boat turned off and into gear and I spin the prop with my hand it gives me a "click..click...click" noise. What could that mean, or is that normal? Thanks a lot for ya'lls help! Tyler

 

[C17LoadSmasher]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

You should hear a click in the proper direction, and the prop should NOT spin at all in the other direction. If you put the remote shifter into fwd, you should be able to spin the prop clockwise and hear the clicking, but you shouldn't be able to spin it counterclockwise (reverse) at all.

 

[Tyski]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

Ok, then i'm fine on the "click...click..click" then. That is what it is doing..when I have the shifter in the forward position, it is clicking when I turn in clock-wise, but won't move at all counter-clockwise. I'm starting to think it is that shifter cable... at least that is what I hope it is.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

You most likely have a spun motor coupler. If the outdrive is not pumping water that would be a sign that the coupler may be spun. Not to serious if you can repair it yourself. If not, get your checkbook ready. The less unlikely is a broke shaft or pinion gear in the drive unit.

 

[Tyski]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

Thanks, Big Dee! What is the best way to find out if it is a spun coupler? If I do fix it by myself (I have a friend who is pretty good with boats) how much do you think I would wind up spending? Thanks again for your reply! Tyler--Amarillo, TX

 

[dhammann]

Re: Is my lower unit shot???

Tyski, Coupler is $170.00 Bad news is you have to pull the engine, thats where the big bucks for labor comes in. If you have the means (hoist) to pull the engine you can save a ton of $$. It is not that hard or complicated (much easier & cleaner than an automobile) just time consuming. A good weekend project, and probably can be done in a day. Get a manual...Good luck!!