[skydiver15]

I just took boat out first time this year and it pops out of forward gear when engine speed increased above 2500 rpm. When it slows down, prop engages again until RPM is increased again. I didn't service the unit this spring, could it be low on gear oil? There is no mechanical noise when it disengages, just the engine racing. From searching the forums, it appears it could be: 1. Linkage adjustment 2. worn clutch dog 3. spun prop 4. lower unit rebuild time....Any help appreciated...

[rickdb1boat]

Sounds like a spun prop hub to me. Put a mark with permanent marker on the hub and the prop housing, run it on the water and see if the marks still line up..

[skydiver15]

Originally posted by rickdb1boat: Sounds like a spun prop hub to me. Put a mark with permanent marker on the hub and the prop housing, run it on the water and see if the marks still line up..

Thanks for the information. I marked the prop today when I motored the boat to the marina to take it out of the water. No movement in the prop. I did notice that the forward drive disingaged between 2500 and 3000 rpm and would not reengage until I brought the throttle back to idle. It then reengage and stayed that way at low rpm. After removing from water, I drained the lower unit, no sign of water or metal pieces. Now, I am inclined to look at shifter adjustment again and clutch dog....What do you think?