won't move

Im not very mechanically savy, here's what happened. Was out on the lake in my slightly leaky alum fishing boat with a 50 horse 99 johnson. My bilge quit and I was heading back in to work on it. The boat was not dangerously full of water, but it was enough weight to keep the boat from planing off. The ramp wasnt a long run so I just headed there. As I got close the motor made a clunking sound a few times then quit moving. I turned it off and restarted and it started fine, but when I went to put it in gear it wouldnt move forward or reverse. The engine starts good and revs when the throttle is moved but the prop spins just a little but not enough to move the boat. Have I done major damage?

Re: won't move

sounds like you hit something and spun the prop. the prop is made up to an inner and outer metal hub, with a rubber bushing between. hopefully that is the cause, if so it did it's job of protecting the lower unit. draw a line across the prop, and take it for a short spin, then see if the lines still line up.

Re: won't move

You probably spun the prop hub by trying to push too much weight. Get a new prop and have your old one re-hubbed.

Re: won't move

Thank you, I had wondered about the prop being spun, but I didnt know if trying to push too much weight would do it. I wll try putting my spare on and see if that works.

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find your leaks, and fix the bilge pump. maybe a spare pump.

Re: won't move

Bad news. It was the lower unit. The guy at the shop says it needs to be completely rebuilt, but buying a rebuilt one would probably be cheaper. Any suggestions? I dont have the money (at least what he's asking a little over
2g's to do that). Is it possible to buy a used lower unit a bit cheaper.
The boat is an old one, but the motor is not that old and the engine is in really good shape. I cant afford to be in the market for a new boat. Do I look to trade the engine for an older used model that might last me a few years until I can buy a new boat? Im just looking for some advice from someone who is not looking to get a check from me.

Re: won't move

I'd find a used lower unit. Check the salvage yards first; they usually know exactly what will work if you give them the model and serial numbers of your motor.

Re: won't move

wcardinal said:

Bad news. It was the lower unit. The guy at the shop says it needs to be completely rebuilt, but buying a rebuilt one would probably be cheaper. Any suggestions? I dont have the money (at least what he's asking a little over
2g's to do that). Is it possible to buy a used lower unit a bit cheaper.
The boat is an old one, but the motor is not that old and the engine is in really good shape. I cant afford to be in the market for a new boat. Do I look to trade the engine for an older used model that might last me a few years until I can buy a new boat? Im just looking for some advice from someone who is not looking to get a check from me.

Click to expand...

How well do you know the guy at the shop? Not accusing anybody of anything, but are you taking his word for it that it's the LU and not a spun prop?

Re: won't move

I would start by following tashasdaddy's suggestion and checking the prop or just replace it and take it out again. Also might try getting a set of muffs for cooling water and running the motor at home and see if the prop turns. If it does I can't see how the lower unit is broke. Try these first and see what happens and then let us know. I don't know anything about outboards and only a little about inboards, but I know something about general mechanics and I might be able to help. If not there are far smarter people on here than I am. Good luck and keep us informed and we will try to help.

Re: won't move

From what I know of it the prop shouldnt be able to turn by hand with the boat in gear right? Well I slipped it in gear and tried to turn the prop not forcefully mind you. It and the shaft turned, and I could feel the gears inside slipping over eachother. I did that before I took it to the shop. Now I am in process of trying to find a used or reman LU. I did find a guy locally that said he was sure he could rebuild what I have without haveing to get all new components, he said not that the guy at the other shop was lying, maybe just trying to take the easiest and most profitable approach to fixing my problem. New guy said he could rebuild me for about 375 plus parts. Not sure what that will run, but I know the parts could get pricy.

Re: won't move

either find a used lower or see if you can find one here. http://www.boatmotors.com/motorparts/

Re: won't move

If the parts cost 225, just a guess, and the labor 375, see how that compares to a used unit. Maybe you can find a decent used one for less.

Re: won't move

Is it a 2 or 3 cylinder 50?? If its a 2 cyl, 1993-2005 40-48-50hp will interchange. If its a 3 1989-2001 50-60-70 hp will fit. Not knocking your dealer/mechanic but I would pull bearing carrier and look at internals myself. The 2 cyl engine has a weak designed driveshaft and will snap at the pinion. If this is the case all you need is seals and driveshaft.