Outdrive or shift mechanism?

[mereed]

Afraid I may have blown my 3rd outdrive. Symtoms are different this time, when cruising about 2500rpm, increased throttle slowly then heard a "pop". Now it wont go into either forward or reverse, motor revs fine. '77 OMC Ford 302,rebuilt outdrive,
Last two times, it would clunk into gear, but not transfer power. Now no indication of shifting at all. Where should I look first? Shifter handle seems to be working, will follow cable to connections etc,then what?
All advice appreciated!

 

[alldodge]

Being a Ford is this a OMC or something else?

 

[Bondo]

'77 OMC Ford 302,

Ayuh,..... So an OMC Stringer drive,..??..??

 

[kenny nunez]

It sounds like what OMC called a “high energy break”. Caused by a an interruption of either + or - current to the drive.
Either the top of the lower driveshaft spline or the water pump shaft could be sheared. It usually looks like the shaft was cut by a lathe. Sometimes the ball gear shaft can also shear.
Is there a stainless steel wire connecting the intermediate housing to the top of the drive where the rubber bumper is located? The other cause could be under the instrument panel where there could be a loose wire on the ignition switch, the shift switch connections or the harness from the front of the boat to the engine.
Sometimes I had to run new wires from the shift switch to the drive harness and replace the shift switch.

 

[southkogs]

^^^ That's what I was thinking reading through. The drive shaft or ball gears.

 

[mereed]

Thanks guys, looks like I have more search and destroy work...but that tells me where to look.
Unfortunately I live and work 3 hours away from where I keep the old money pit.
Will check in when I have an update. Thanks again!