screwed up need help

[Martian]

I feel pretty sad, backed my brand new (to me) 2006 30HP 4 Stroke merc motor into a brick wall while slowly reversing (I thought I had a few inches but the tranny saver had my motor pushed out. I damaged the prop and broke off the lower fin and am trying to assess the damage.

The prop is missing about an inch so I think I have to replace it.
The fin I will have to be repaired or have an aftermarket fin screwed on.

I am now worried about the lower end shaft and gears, but, do not know how to asses this issue: If I grab the prop shaft by hand I can wiggle is a bit. Is there supposed to be any play in this part?

I am really in the middle of nowhere on this issue so I can really use some good input so I can put this past me.

thanks,

the Maritan

 

[Laddies]

Re: screwed up need help

To check for a bent shaft remove the prop and turn the shaft while using a srewdiver or something against the engine and close to the shaft or hook the engine to a hose start it and put in gear to check it

 

[Silvertip]

Re: screwed up need help

No need to remove the prop. Most prop shafts have an indentation in the exact center. Nail a piece of wire to a block of wood and bend the wire so the free end is positioned exactly in the center of the dimple but not touching it. Now slowly turn the prop by hand. If the prop shaft is bent you will see the dimple wobble around the point of the wire. If it's not bent, the dimple will remain centered on the wire.

 

[Martian]

Re: screwed up need help

thanks guys

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: screwed up need help

Call the insurance company. House, boat, loan, or car.

By the time you try to get it repaired, it's cost will almost surely surpass any deductable.

 

[Martian]

Re: screwed up need help

The shaft looks OK.....no bending.....but:

someone told me that my prop should spin freely both ways....it does not do this.
It spins only one way and when I spin it that way (its more like turn it that way) it feels like it is engaged. the shift lever does not feel completely solid but seeing as I have not used the boat yet what do I know.

Any input?

Martian.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: screwed up need help

Put the shifter in neutral. The prop should spin freely both ways. If its in gear, just like your car, you can't turn the drive shaft (easily).

 

[Martian]

Re: screwed up need help

It is in neutral and still wont spin completely free.....the manual says don't put it into reverse while not on...that my have been done. aw crum