Outdrive only moves prop at low rpms

[jc turtle]

1988 4 Winns 350 omc . Engine revved up quickly while at about 3000 rpms, then would only move boat at low rpms.
I would presume that the coupler let go, but anything else it could be? Verifying that I won't pull the motor for the
wrong problem. Thank you, John

 

[Redrig]

Engine coupler or a spun prop hub I would have to think

 

[alldodge]

Agree, coupler most likely. If you smelled burnt rubber it is the coupler, if not still could be or hub. Mark the prop and hub and take it for short spin

Pull the drive and look thru the gimbal bearing to see what the splines and coupler look like

 

[jc turtle]

Thank you both for the info. I did not think of the prop hub. John

 

[Scott Danforth]

Stringer or Cobra drive.

with a cobra, could be coupler or prop. Most likely the prop. Draw a line across the prop hub with a sharpie

With a stringer, its not the coupler, however could be the prop. Moast likely its the vertical driveshaft splines have failed (very common issue with OMC stringer drives.

it could also be stripped out ball gears.