Should I start it or pull the lower unit for repair?

Question

I have a 1998 mercury 30hp outboard that had damage to the skegg & prop. A new skegg was welded on & the prop welded & balanced. It goes into forward & reverse easily. When you put it into reverse the prop doesn't move right or left, makes sense. When you put it in forward the prop doesn't turn to the left, makes sense. But it turns to the right & makes a clicking sound, doesn't make sense. There was no metal when I drained the lower end. I'm afraid to try to start it now because of the clicking sound & rotation of the prop to the right. I don't if there is some damage to the forward gear in the lower end. On my johnson motor the prop locks in gear & won't rotate either direction. Is something wrong with gears or is this normal for mecury motors? Shound I start it?

Answer 1

I don't think there is anything wrong from your explanation. When in forward the prop can spin like that in case you hit something. Anyone that has one stall on them can hear the clicking sound as the boat glides forward and the water spins the prop.

Answer 2

Mark has the right answer.  that's a healthy Mercury lower unit.

Answer 3

Sounds normal 4 a merc cry Start it up>

Answer 4

yes. no. i dont know.

Answer 5

When you place a lower in forward gear it will lock to the left and ratchet to the right . When put into reverse it will lock to the right and ratchet to the left .This is normal and nothing wrong. Johnsons are designed differently and you wont experience it..

Whats happening is when you are in forward gear and it clicks or ratchets to the right the sliding clutch isnt completely engaged because you need the speed of the engine to help throw the clutch dawg into engagement by centrifugal force

Answer 6

The lower SHOULD be pulled for repair, sounds like the DOG is giving you problems. Have your local marine repair go through it.

Answer 7

It depends on whether there was any damage to the lower unit housing itself. If it got bent or cracked, tear it apart and check things out. If not don't. If you have internal damage, starting it will definately let you know and you really won't cause much more damage by starting it. IE: if anything in the lower unit is damaged, you will want to replace it all anyways in case of hidden damage to other components that will cause new parts to get damaged again.