lower unit trouble

[mskrom]

Hi folks- question about a 'new to me' Merc XR4 150hp. I took the boat to the lake the first time, and being a beginner, managed to start the motor but quickly kill it because I shut the fast idle down too quickly and choked it. It never went into gear. Messing around with the throttle later, if you pulled the red release trigger on the throttle, it would pop right out of Nuetral and fall into Reverse- however, no forward. I pushed it back into N until it clicked, and took it to a repair place. They have come back to me stating that the gearing in the lower unit is torn up (as well as the throttle) and that repairs and labor will run just shy of $1100 to get me moving anywhere. Does this sound like a likely scenario, or am I being bent over a barrel? Also, how would a person actually strip those gears out like that anyway?

Any responses would be appreciated-

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: lower unit trouble

sounds like a lower unit rebuild is in order

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: lower unit trouble

Was the impellar changed recently? Who changed it? Does the previous owner know? Sounds as if the gear shift and throttle are not aligned as well as the shift shaft in the lower unit.

Step 1 Get a manual and read it.

Ask around I am sure you might find a fellow boater near you who can help. $1100 sounds right with all new parts and labor. If you need a lower unit it might be easier to find a used one cheaper. Installation is cheap and easy (less than 1/2 hour).