Outdrive Ratchets the opposite direction when in gear....normal?

[Allmand]

Hello, I have a pre-alpha 160 drive. I put in a new impellar, put it back together while in forward and all seems ok. However, is it normal for the prop to ratchet in the opposite direction of the gears its in?

For ex. If I have the drive in forward, and it locks in CCW, should it spin freely CW or is it ok to have a ratcheting sound? I dont remember if it did this before putting it back together. Its a RH direction prop. When in forward it properly locks spinning CCW, but ratchets when spinning CW while in forward. Vise versa with reverse. I have read some people say that in gear it shold spin freely the opposite direction and some say it is ok if it ratchets going to opposite direction of the gear its in......

could anyone clarify this?

Thanks

 

[achris]

Re: Outdrive Ratchets the opposite direction when in gear....normal?

I assume your CCW/CW directions are as you are looking at the prop from behind the boat. All you have described is normal and expected.

Chris.....

 

[Allmand]

Re: Outdrive Ratchets the opposite direction when in gear....normal?

Yes, this if from the point of view facing the prop...thanks. Thats good to hear.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Outdrive Ratchets the opposite direction when in gear....normal?

Remember, the gears are powering the shaft to turn the prop against the resistance of the water, while you are just spinning the prop. In order to apply power to spin the prop clockwise it must lock if turned counterclockwise. As Chris says, all is well