Boat won't plane

[Hogman]

Running down the lake at about 5500 rpms, WP was 14 psi. Felt like I sucked something up, boat started losing rpms. Put it in neutral, shut it down, and lifted the engine to see if there was something on the prop...nothing visible. Boat started up and idles fine but will not go above 2400 rpms in gear. Still have good water pressure (4 psi at idle) but no pee stream. It will rev to about 4k or more in reverse.
Here's the tip that should help.
With the boat on the trailer:
In neutral the prop will turn freely as normal.
In Forward it will spin with one hand pretty easily.
In Reverse it won't spin.

Did I break the forward gear or Worse?

1995 3.0 Liter 225 EFI (SN#OG282147)


Modified by Hogman at 8:35 PM 5/5/2010

[Ranger Z522]

bummer John...hope it ain't serious...

[low slung cruiser]

in gear it should not spin at all......

[Hogman]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Ranger Z522 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">bummer John...hope it ain't serious...</td></tr></table>

I hope not Jim. A friend of mine told me I probably broke the forward gear but who knows. I was actually pre-fishing for the DoD bass tournament when this happen so it kind of put a damper on things. How have you been? Next time you get down this way...give me a holler and we'll fish Lay.

[Hogman]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by low slung cruiser &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">in gear it should not spin at all......</td></tr></table>

Key word is "SHOULD NOT". I'm hoping it's just the gear. The sad thing is I was just getting ready to take it up to Don to have him go through it in a couple weeks. First time a Mercury has ever left me stranded.

[esdbass]

Better words would be " Must Not" spin when in gear period! Get it to Don!

[JAZII]

It could spin in gear, if it is a ratcheting gear case.

JAZII

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by JAZII &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">It could spin in gear, if it is a ratcheting gear case.

JAZII</td></tr></table>

+1

In NEUTRAL: Prop should spin freely.

IN REVERSE: Prop should LOCK when spun CLOCKWISE

IN FORWARD: Prop should lock when spun COUNTERCLOCKWISE.


If the above is what you find- I'd recommend starting with the BASICS- Compression test, Spark test, Fuel Delivery/Pressure Tests, and Gearcase/Gear Lube Inspection.

I wouldn't recommend revving your engine to 4K RPM's in reverse....

[Ranger Z522]

I've been doing good..when I'm down your way,I will sir!!