question about lower unit

[brandon25]

i have a 1975 850 mercury, the prop moves in and out about a 1/4 inch is that normal? and when i start the motor the prop will spin if i tap it in a little with my foot but the prop will come back out a little and stop spinning. also it only spins counter clock wise when its in forward or reverse. please help me, what do i need to do to fix it?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: question about lower unit

The 1/4" movement is not an issue. I cannot tell from your posting if that motor goes into gear or not. It should rachet CW in forward, spin freely in neutral and turn a bit both ways before it locks in reverse.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: question about lower unit

If it spins CW while in reverse your clutch-dogs may be worn out. Does it pop out of gear when throttled up in reverse?

 

[brandon25]

Re: question about lower unit

found out that the lower unit froze and messed up the gears and cracked the housing. the cheapest lower unit i have found was $600