honda lower unit gears can they be run in reverse

[igness]

Does anyone know if the gears in the lower unit are straight cut bevel gears, that can be run continuously in either direction, or are they like automotive rearend gears which "CAN" be run in reverse, but are helical cut, and designed to have optimal strength in the forward direction. Since reverse is actually used a very small percentage of the time.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: honda lower unit gears can they be run in reverse

Generally speaking, the way outboard gearcases work is that there is a pinion gear on the driveshaft coming down from the engine which drives two gears on the propshaft. The pinion gear causes one to spin one way, and the other spins in the opposite direction. The propshaft in some way is locked to one of the two gears so it spins with it while the other freewheels. In neutral, neither gear is locked to the propshaft, so both gears freewheel.<br /><br />So, both the forward gear and the reverse gear are always 'pushed' in the same direction. Therefore, gear wear isn't a problem for continuous reversing. But, again generally speaking, the propshaft and gear bearings are arranged to greatly favor the forward direction. Continuously operating in reverse causes these bearings to wear out prematurely.<br /><br />Larger HP engines have their gears helically cut to prevent whine.<br /><br />If there's a specific engine you're thinking about, please tell us and I'm sure a Honda expert can fill in the details!<br /><br /><br />And welcome to Iboats!