looking at a 1968 starcraft with a mercruiser 120

[ttjln]

I am looking for someone who knows about a mercruiser 120 outdrive. I am curious about whether or not when you turn the prop while in nuetral you should be able to feel the gears mesh or not. It doesnt grind but I am able to feel the teeth mesh. I only ask because my 25 horse outboard does not do this.(it is smooth) I am trying to decide whether to purchase this boat or not so I do not know the history of it. It also has not been run for a year or so.

Thanks for the help,
Tracy

[Boat Doc']

The shift probably isn't centered in neutral. If you have someone move the shift lever while turning the prop it should quit. Be careful on something this old that it checks out ok.

[Herring Problem]

Do a simple oil check, remove the bottom oil screw to check for water in the lower unit. Oil will be milky or may appear good if this has sat for a long time.Need to run her and put her into gear, this will mix any water back inot the oil. When I look at old motors, I try to get them to run'em for me on the hose, then check the oils for contamination. If the lower unit has water in her, it will show up.