Lower Unit Problems, I think.

[LittletB]

I've got a Johnson GT 150 and was out on the lake then all of a sudden I lose all power and the motor just runs at full RPM and the prop wasn't turning. The motor sounds fine at idle speed and whenever you run just a couple miles an hour above idle. Then you give it more throttle, and you and the same thing, the prop stops turning and the motot just revs up. I'm fairly sure it's the lower unit, just don't know what part in the lower unit and how do I tell what size I need. Whether it's a 21 or 25 inch. Thanks for your help.

 

[6228SH]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

check your prop out.

 

[F_R]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

If it slips smoothly and quietly like spinning your wheels on the ice, it is the prop. If it grinds horribly, it is the lower unit. You need to hope it's the prop. Just have it re-hubbed, or buy an new one.

 

[goboatnow]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

The quickest way to find out is to pull the bottom oil plug in the gearcase. If you see metal you will need to get a second job. By the sounds of your story and if you find metal then usually it takes all of the gears and more with it.....cross your fingers that you find clean gear oil.....if you do find clean gear oil it is probably the hub. good luck

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

To test the prop for a spun hub, draw a line across the hub and prop, run it in the water for a bit, pull it back out and if the lines are no longer lined up, you have a spun hub, will need a new one or get it re packed. GL

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

as said above you have the inner and outer metal hub, connected by the rubber bushing.

 

[LittletB]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

Thanks all, I'll check today. I can put it in gear and spin the prop by hand and the entire spindle spins also without slipping. I'll go drain the grease and then pull off the prop, then re-post. Thanks again.

 

[LittletB]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

I just went out and drained all of the oil. I didn't see any metal come out other than a few small and I do mean really small attached to the top screw. The oil did look a little brown and milky. What can I do to test the prop other than dropping the boat into the water? Thanks again for your help.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

if you can put it in gear and prop shaft spns,you likely have a problem in the shifting ,disconnect your shifter cable then shift it and see if it moves ok,you might want to get someone to hold it and put a little resistance on it,something could be bad in your shifter box,the cable,could just need an adjustment,if you have clean oil .%99.9 your ok there,you could take it on the water,with help ,shift it manually where the cable hooks to,see if problem goes away,if it does be sure the shifter box or control is shifting the cable ok,if it does,with the engine in neutral,now hook the cable up,it should fit just right,if not you need to adjust the cable by threading the plastic adjusting nut on the cable,

 

[LittletB]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

I just pulled the prop off and it looks as if it fits very snug to the shaft. MikeSea, I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I'm just not sure that I'm following what you're saying. The boat has been shifting fine since I've had it. It goes into forward and reverse fine. I will go try this though and see if I see anything out of the ordinary.

Would it hurt to put the grease back in it, and throw the muffs on it and listen for anything out of the ordinary as I put it into gear?
Thanks,
Ben

 

[LittletB]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

I'll try to throw it in the water this week and look to see if the hub is spinning on the prop.
Hightrim, I see what you're saying and how I couldn't always tell if I were trying to spin it by hand, nor would I be able to tell with Muffs. Anyhow, thanks again to all who's trying to help me. I really appreciate it.
Ben

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

I really do believe you have a spun hub, try the test as stated b4. You wont be able to notice it on mufffs without any resistance on the prop, all may seem normal until you get it in the water.

 

[LittletB]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

Yeah, I'm thinking and "PRAYING" that you are right. I'm going to get some grease and drop it in the Ohio river in the next couple of days. I'll let you know. Thanks again, Ben

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

If you have a barrel you can do it in the driveway as well. GL, hope that s all thats wrong.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

I guess I'm just suffering from a couple late ones and didn't understand when you said you can spin the prop spindle, by hand while in gear.

 

[LittletB]

Re: Lower Unit Problems, I think.

Just got the chance to drop the boat in the water. It was a spun prop. Guys, thanks, I really appreciate the advice.
Take care,
Ben