Propellor turns out of the water but not in the water

[Wyatt Earp's Deadeye]

I know nothing about outboard motors and what it takes to fix them. I have an old 3hp Johnson Sea Horse. I was fishing on a windy day and was trying to come out of a channel. My motor was not strong enough and I ended up grounding the prop. It still runs and the prop spins when it's out of the water but as soon as I put it into the water it stops. I checked the shear pin and that is in tact. Does anyone have any other ideas for what might be wrong. I was thinking it may be the drive pin but I don't know if my motor has one. Someone please help.

 

[JB]

Re: Propellor turns out of the water but not in the water

Howdy, Deadeye.<br /><br />When the engine is not running, can you turn the prop by hand? If you can, does the engine turn too? You may have broken something in the gear train.<br /><br />Let us know what you find. Also give us the model number of the engine, as there were several variations on the lower end.

 

[Wyatt Earp's Deadeye]

Re: Propellor turns out of the water but not in the water

Thanks JB for your reply. The model # is JW-12 made in 1956. The problem was as simple as a broken drive pin. I replaced it last night and then took it to the water last night. It ran pretty well until it killed. I think I also have a carburater problem but that is a whole other issue. The motor needs a tune up and I don't kow how and don't want to spend the money to get it tuned up. Thanks again for your reply.