Spinning the prop by hand - gritty feeling/sound? A serious problem?

[alexh86]

I just picked up a Johnson 150 GT. The motors runs fine in neutral and shifts into forward and reverse fine. The prop spins freely when the motor is off and in neutral, BUT sometimes there is a slight gritty feel/sound to it. like a bit of sand is somewhere it shouldn't be. Is than a non issue? an issue with the prop? or an issue with the lower unit? I have yet to take the prop off, but I will do that tonight and let you know if there is anything alarming.
Thanks,
Alex.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Spinning the prop by hand - gritty feeling/sound? A serious problem?

Could be wrong thrust washer thickness and allowing prop to rub lower unit. Could also be debris caught in prop. Best to remove and inspect.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Spinning the prop by hand - gritty feeling/sound? A serious problem?

Pull the prop and also open the bottom drain plug and check fluid. Look for interference between prop and L/U (just look for shiny metal) and look at oil. If it's milky it's got moisture in there. If it's really milky you may have L/U gear damage. It would have to be pretty serious damage to "feel" it- lower unit lube is pretty heavy and will mask some wear. If it's been compromised and has thinned it will mask it less and you may feel it. Good luck.

UFM82