Lost my forward and reverse, HELP!!!!!

[longisldr]

1985 Mercruiser 140 H.P. Stern Drive.While shifting from forward to reverse approaching a fuel dock I heard a clunk then a squeal from the rear of the boat. First I thought outdrive, but after removing the engine cover, I put it back in gear and the prop would not turn although the engine driveshaft was turning. At the same time I noticed metal filings flying around a little bit so I shut down right away. Drive key sheared, Maybe??? I tested the prop rotation with the shift position, F, N, R, all seem alright. Any suggestions as to what to check next would be greatly appreciated. I am a second year boat owner and this is my first real challenge. My brother did remind me time and time again that I shifted quick when it happened!!!

 

[Wotknot]

Re: Lost my forward and reverse, HELP!!!!!

Drive key sheared, Maybe???

In a sense, yes. Sounds to me like you've spun your coupler.

 

[Don S]

Re: Lost my forward and reverse, HELP!!!!!

Sounds like a coupler gone bad to me also. Here is a link with some info and a picture of what yours probably now looks like. The splined shaft is probably bad also. Never found one loose a coupler like that without needing a shaft.<br /><br /> http://www.marinemechanic.com/site/page79.html

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Lost my forward and reverse, HELP!!!!!

might as well pull the drive to be sure.IF the drive shaft does indeed turn, then sounds like more of a drive issue.most couplers ,when they do let go leave a lot of aluminum shaving around the coupler area but dont turn when put into gear. also the pump would not be turning either and the temp would go up.

 

[longisldr]

Re: Lost my forward and reverse, HELP!!!!!

You guys have been very helpful. I really do believe it is the coupler also, it really makes sense. There were shavings flying around and it was at the exact location of the coupler. I know I need to pull the outdrive but does it require an engine pull?

 

[Don S]

Re: Lost my forward and reverse, HELP!!!!!

Yep, engine has to come out, at least far enough to remove the bellhousing and the coupler.