Expert: Everett Peacock - 6/12/2009

Question
I have a 1988 Rinker with a 4.3 mercruiser.  I put the boat in the water and went to back out.  This is my first boat so I don't know too much about this stuff.  It didn't go into reverse so stupid me, I pushed off thinking that forward would work.  The boat throttles up fine but the prop doesn't turn.  After paddling back in, I loaded the boat up and took it to a mechanic.  He had me put the boat in forward (while the boat was off) and he had me turn the propeller.  He reached back and put his hand on the driveshaft behind the engine and it was not turning while I was turning the propeller.  What could this be and is it too difficult for me to fix myself.  I am a mechanic on airplanes and know how to fix cars, but I've never fixed boats!!!  Please help!!  what parts do i need, and how hard is it to fix?

Thanks,

Craig

Answer
first of all you can not get your hand between the driveshaft and the coupler....to feel if it is turning......

if you are turning the prop in gear and the engine is not turning then you have a bad coupler...the engine must be pulled and replace the coupler wich is bolted to the flywheel....

make sure you check engine alignment and check the transom to make sure it is not rotted....