I just screwed my engine up more than when I started. I was putting in a new impeller and when I finished and tried it out on the muffs The prop was spinning even in neutral. I must have accidently spun the shift spline. The prop also makes a ratching sound when spun forward, but is solid when I try to spin it in reverse. This happens in all gears. DOes anyone have any idea how to fix this. I don't want to have to drop the lower unit over and over since it is getting heavy. Is nuetral in the center of the rotation of the spline shaft. It seems to go a little over 180 degrees in rotation. Please help me. My wife is a little miffed about me buying a used boat and already having to work on it.
<br /><br />You should put the motor into forward gear before you drop the lower unit on your motor, and put the lower unit in forward before re-assembly.<br /><br />For now, drop the lower unit.<br />Shift the controls into forward.<br />THen turn the shift shaft one way or the other.<br />When forward gear is engaged and the propeller shaft is turned clockwise, the clutchdog will "ratchet".<br />THen slide the lower unit on.<br /><br />Then go hat in hand and tell your wife she was right, and that you will let her buy you a NEW boat now.<br /><br />Good Luck and happy boating.