Minor Prop spin in neutral? Reverse issue.

[jrtrpp]

I'm trying to diagnose a problem with my '82 DT85 outboard. It is very difficult to get it into reverse and I am bending the shift cables trying. I am at the early stages of this and haven't dove into the lower unit yet. I have a couple questions first.

1. While the engine is in the water and in neutral the prop spins slowly forward. You can tell it is NOT in gear (all the way at least), and you could probably reach down and stop it with your hand (notice I said "you", I'm not gunna try it) but it spins enough to sneakily give the boat a little forward momentum and before you know it your about to scrap the bottom on the boat launch concrete. Is this normal, or should there be NO set movement to the prop other than what the water is doing to it.....

2. While the engine is out of water, it is necessary to spin the prop a bit before it will allow me to manually engage reverse (from the actual lever under the cowling). Is this normal or should it just slip right into gear like forward does......

I did manage to get the boat into reverse today in the water, but It popped right out and bent the shift cable a little. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[man-o-war]

Re: Minor Prop spin in neutral? Reverse issue.

This problem has to do with shifter cable adjustment. Prop is NOT supposed to move when you select neutral. On the lower unit there is a cover with two screws about 6" apart, one on top of the other, centerline upper back of the unit (when looking towards the boat). When you remove that cover, you will see the shifter linkage and cable. End of shifter cable has threads on it, you have to remove cotter pin and washer, pull the cable aside from the linkage, and tighten or loosen the cable end adapter. It is very easy to do and self explanatory once you take the cover off. Adjust a little, put back together (not the cover yet), and move shifter lever, and then manually spin the prop to see which way it turns. You want prop to freely spin in both directions when in Neutral. Depending if your prop is L or R hand, you want it to spin in proper direction when Forward or Reverse are selected. Good luck, and safe boating.