Expert: chris Wethered - 5/15/2008

Question
Hello,
I have a '93 4.3 liter Mercruiser with Alpha 1 outdrive.  The  forward gear will engage and the engine will rev, but the prop does not spin.  It is not "spun".  Is there anything else I should look for?  Is this a repair that needs to be done out of the water?    Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kevin,

sorry for late response.

Yes you need to get the motor out of the water and follow this procedure

Disconnect ignition

Remove the propeller to check the shaft for anything that's wrapped around - fishing line for example

Check the cable. The clamp fixture holding the outer sheath of the shift cable in place under the engine cowl is either broken or detached.

You need to look under the engine cowl and where the cable exits the back of the control panel.

If the cable moves on the latter then look inside the control panel.

If the cable is as it ought to be then the shift rod is attached at the pivot point under the powerhead.

Look in your service manual to see if the shift linkage has a coupling for the shift rod inside the mid section. Access the section by removing the plate to check the shift coupling. If it's loose or miss then that's the problem.

If you need further explanation get back to me

Chris