1971 50hp Merc - no forward/reverse

T

tcoy

Recruit
Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
3
My 1971 50 hp merc ran great all last season. Started right up this season but propellar doesn't spin when it is put in forward or reverse. There is a lot of play in the prop shaft. With the motor tilted up the propellar spins when in gear but with it up right it won't. It seems that gravity causes the propellar to engage when tilted up? Any thoughts...
 
M

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: 1971 50hp Merc - no forward/reverse

Not sure where you are located, but is it possible that there was water in the lower unit over the winter and it froze?

If so, there could be internal damage and possibly a cracked casing.

Drain the oil into a pan and check for any metal fragments, chips or other foreign material.
 
T

tcoy

Recruit
Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
3
Re: 1971 50hp Merc - no forward/reverse

When I removed the propellar it looks like the bearing carrier is cracked could that be the problem.
 
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