Prop spins in neutral

jimpittman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 14, 2002
Messages
102
I have a 1976 Evinrude 135. When I run the motor in the driveway with the muff on, the prop spins. I know it is in neutral because I can stop the prop. Is this common? Will this cause any gear problems?
 

iRich

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 7, 2002
Messages
219
Re: Prop spins in neutral

I have 3 outboards and they all do the same thing...I wouldn't worry about it.<br /><br />Rich
 

aeronutt29

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 28, 2002
Messages
112
Re: Prop spins in neutral

The technical explanation for this is quite simple. The driveshaft coming from the powerhead spins any time the motor is running. While it spins, it also spins both the forward and reverse gears, but neither gear is engaged to the prop shaft. Since the gear is spinning in very close proximity to the shaft, the thick viscosity of the gear oil transfers just enough pressure to the prop shaft to get it to turn over. That's why it's easy to stop the propeller with your hand while the engine is running. Of course, you might loose a hand if it's ever actually in gear and you try this!
 
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