Reverse locked and won't spin, forward fine

[sparky4612]

Yesterday I was adjusting the idle speed while it was running and accidently shifted it into forward (I didn't have the "throttle only" button pressed in all the way). Unfortunently the prop was not able to spin at the time it dropped hard into forward and the engine immediately died. Now the prop spins freely in neutral, ratchets forward in forward, but in reverse it will only spin 2-3 inches either way and no ratchet. It idles fine but I don't want to try to shift into forward of reverse until I know I wont add to any damage. Do I have damage? Your help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Reverse locked and won't spin, forward fine

That sounds normal for Merc gearcases. Rachet in Forward and small amount of turn in reverse.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Reverse locked and won't spin, forward fine

That sounds normal for Merc gearcases. Rachet in Forward and small amount of turn in reverse.

Agree, I once ,,, no twice,, no three oooo... several times wrapped a bow line around my prop and killed the motor. Didn't hurt the lower unit at all.

So just out of curiosity, why was the prop not able to turn?

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Reverse locked and won't spin, forward fine

I agree with Chris. It sounds normal for a merc Cam-shift housing.