Mercruiser Lower Unit, Alpha I clicks?

Question

With the engine off, the shifter in reverse a mechanic spins the prop counterclockwise and we hear clicking. He tells me that my gears are bad and have to be replaced. Last year I noticed no trouble with my reverse except the the usual bit of grind into gear. I was also told that the prop should not spin when in gear like this. Any advice? I'm facing a $500-900 repair?

Answer 1

If what you are talking about is a ratcheting sound then its normal and your tech must be new and not familiar with the drives. It will do the same thing in forward gear. The only gear the prop spins freely both directions is in neutral. When you hear it click then try turning it the other way. If it catches then all gears are fine. It will turn with a clicking noise one direction and not the other way and the total opposite when in the opposite gear. If it does all that then its normal and you dont need a new lower unit or repair on it.

Answer 2

Sorry, but at first blush, without knowing more, I believe your mechanic is being straight. It does sound like you have a bad gear(s). When he gets the unit open you should be able to inspect the gears.

Does he have another option?

Best of luck.

Answer 3

at Marine engines.com you can post your question and get help from experts.

Answer 4

If clicking it sounds like clutches are not fully engaged. Adjust you shifet cable on  side of motor. Before messing with cable I would change the outdrive lube. Inspect it for metal pieces and filings this will tell you whats going on in there w/out opening it up. Some small shavings are normal not big pieces of metal. If oil looks good propably just cable adjustment.

Answer 5

Seems ok to me.

Assuming you have a right hand prop (standard rotation)

Normaly the prop shaft drives the prop, now you drive the prop in relation to the prop shaft.

When you put the drive in reverse turn the prop clockwise and it should engage to the propshaft

If you put the drive in fw. turn the prop counter clockwise and it also should engage. If not, adjustment of the lower shift cable is neccesary.

Frank