Prop spins freely?

[2fat2ski]

I've never owned a boat with an i/o lower unit before.I got this boat so cheap that I dont mind <br />having to replace the lower unit if i have to.It has an alpha 1 lower unit with a pretty chewed up prop.Ive noticed with my outboard that you cant spin the prop freely unless the motor is in nuetral.This one ,the prop spins freely no matter where the shifter is.Is this normal?I've bought the manual but this is probably such a dumb question that its not answered in there.I've seen you guys deal with alot of us "marine challenged paople",<----politicly correct term fer boatin dummy,before.Please dont tease bout this 2 much ...this is only my second boat lol.The boat is an 81 celebrity with a mercruiser 305 i beleive.And an alpa one outdrive.

 

[2fat2ski]

Re: Prop spins freely?

Also spelling challenged...hehe

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Prop spins freely?

No it shouldn't. I believe there may be some ratcheting involved, but freely in all gears doesn't sound right. Make sure the prop isn't just spinning on the propshaft. Or that the throttle/shift lever wasn't in the throttle-only position.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Prop spins freely?

Why not put it on the muffs with a water hose and actually try it with the engine running?

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Prop spins freely?

could be a bad shift cable.......check gear lube for any shavings....I think a complete inspection is in order, shift cables, gear lube, bellows, u-joints, gimble bearing, etc. I would think that even if lower is bad that if in gear you should still have some kind of resistance when turning prop.

 

[2fat2ski]

Re: Prop spins freely?

I just got started working on it.Been real cold around here until recently and i'd rather do some other things before i fire it up.Change the oil ,plugs,ignition wires cap and rotor etc etc.I've also found a rip in the bellows so i have to replace those as well.Thought i read on here someplace that i wasn't suppose to put it in gear on muffs but i didnt understand that.Is it ok to do that?

 

[2fat2ski]

Re: Prop spins freely?

THANKYOU WILLY. just checked it and the prop seems to have spun off thehub in there.I knew i was gonna have to replace the prop anyways but glad i dont have to replace that drive[just checked prices omg].Shaft with a wrench on the nut does have a sort of ratcheting thing going on.Still spins freely but in only one direction.That prop looks like someone drove it through the rock river.No water just rocks.I was told they can be repaired but I think I'll replace it with an aluminum prop.Or one of those graphite props.Rather have a prop go then a drive with those prices.Ty guys for the help.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Prop spins freely?

2---don't waste your time on a graphite prop. You'll be buying a new prop every weekend.<br /><br />If your chewed up prop is aluminum, should be about $100 to rebuild at a prop shop. If it is steel, slightly more to repair, but still cheaper than new.<br /><br />Or check ebay. If you buy a used prop, start with same diameter and pitch (should be stamped on the prop). Get the boat running right, then do your prop testing.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Prop spins freely?

Originally posted by cobra 3.0:<br /> Why not put it on the muffs with a water hose and actually try it with the engine running?

You mean, start the engine, then grab the prop and see if it spins freely? Not a good idea... <br /><br />Maybe I misunderstood your suggestion.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Prop spins freely?

No just put it in gear and see if the prop spins, but we see now it was just a spun hub and not a drive or cable problem.