When your outboard hits a chunk of wood

[Zerex]

On the weekend I hit a small piece of wood at 5000rpm with my 50hp Mariner and when I hit it the motor seemed to bang into neutral and free rev. SO i shut it off right away and checked the prop (it was fine), all seemed well so I carried on with no further incidents.<br />But I want to know if this seems normal for a motor to do. Is there any maintenence I should have done to it?<br />Thanx

 

[roscoe]

Re: When your outboard hits a chunk of wood

Chances are that the impact jarred either the shiftshaft or the clutchdog so hard that it just popped out of gear.<br /><br />Normal maintenance should do.<br />Inspect the gearlube for metal shavings the next time you change it.

 

[mercury_40hp]

Re: When your outboard hits a chunk of wood

Sometimes when something like a piece of wood gets stuck in front of the prop/lower unit it causes the prop to cavitate. This can make the engine rev up like happened to you.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: When your outboard hits a chunk of wood

Zerex, (IMHO) The rule of thumb is generally when you hit something soft like wood at less than 25mph, little or no damage. When you hit something at 35 mph or more, the aluminum LU cracks. Hitting rocks obviously lowers the speed at which damage first occurs.

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: When your outboard hits a chunk of wood

Did the same thing in 1996. Seemed fine but third time out started motor and made a helacious noise. Spewing water but it started to over heat. Found I must of cracked the crank. By the time it overheated it was broke. Two cylinder mercury 402. Made a good clunk, clunk etc. Once cooled down would start but really neat sound. <br /> In other words if you have insurance, make sure you do not let it lapse.