Good Merc Mechanic needed

DTSportsman · 09-22-2009, 10:09 PM

I have an '84 25 hp Merc, last fall I was running in at near full throttle and it quit pushing the boat, and the prop was cavetating. I was assuming that I had spun the prop, since it would push the boat at idle, but nothing more. I was recently told to put the motor in gear and listen , the gears click, does this mean I have more issues inside the lower unit, or is this typical when spinning the prop by hand with the motor in gear? I don't really want to buy a new prop if it is somthing else, but being a newer boat owner I am not confident enough to make a good choice. I know the "Big Boys" come highly recommended, but they also charge a "Big Boy" price. Any Recommendations? Tips, ideas?

PM's are fine!

Thanks,
Daryn

MattPark · 09-22-2009, 10:30 PM

With the engine off, and in gear (ignition disabled by whatever means necessary), you should be able to spin the prop one way and have it click, and the other way the prop should not move (if it does, the engine is turning over). Switch the gear selector to reverse and the opposite should happen.

Sounds to me like the hub in the propeller needs to be replaced.

Hunt'nFish · 09-23-2009, 05:04 AM

Daryn, I agree spun hub. Although I don't think it'll cavitate, it just over rev's and sounds like it.

Toss on your back-up prop and see if it quits. You DO have a back-up prop in the boat ....right?

Anyway, get a back-up ... on the Tracker my back-up for summer was my low pitch power prop and come duck season I'd switch them and my high speed bass prop became the back-up.
Ebay my friend. And I have a number here somewhere for some good local prop repair guys.
Hunt'nFish

PS: visit the bass brd and take a look at the big smallie I picked up near our secret spot.

DTSportsman · 09-23-2009, 06:57 AM

Thanks Guys, I really appreciate it!

Uh and Mike, no spare prop but I think you already knew that.

Over rev sounds about right, just alot of bubbles coming up, but no thrust.