prop turn at idle

[elwopo]

Hello,<br />I've got a 96 Force 120. Trying to run it a little before taking it out...and at idle with the "ears" on...the prop is spinning a little. I can stop it with my hand. Someone told me it is not supposed to turn at all and that something is wrong with my engine. Is this true?<br />Thanks in advance.

 

[roscoe]

Re: prop turn at idle

Any clicking noises?<br /><br />Changed the gear lube recently?<br /><br />Thick or contaminated lube being moved around by the spinning driveshaft, can put enough pressure on the propshaft to actually spin it.<br /><br />FYI, The driveshaft turns countinously, your gearcase does not have a clutch, just one big gear that slides into place. It is either in gear, or not.<br /><br />Please do not put you hand on the prop of any running engine, mechanical things happen.<br /><br />Proper way to work on an outboard:<br />Disconnect battery.<br />Remove prop.<br />Place guard over propshaft.<br />Connect battery.<br />Procede with work.<br /><br />At the very least, place a "barricade" around the gearcase to prevent pants form getting caught on spinning prop or shaft.<br /><br />Safety First.<br />I have seen bad things happen to good people.<br /><br />Happy Boating.

 

[Downrigger]

Re: prop turn at idle

It's not unusual for the prop to turn out of the water at idle especially if the weather or gearbox is cold. <br /><br />Larry