prop not turning but engine runs

[macpat]

I got my line rapt around my prop of my 3.3mariner outboard and it has stopped turning.

any ideas how much damage Ive done and also how to fix it please

 

[jake505]

Re: prop not turning but engine runs

sounds like you either striped the gears in the lower unit, snaped the drive shaft, or striped the splines off the drive shaft. only way to really find out would be to take the lower unit off and start looking for the problem. when you say line what kind of line fishing line or rope?

 

[erie_guy]

Re: prop not turning but engine runs

You also may have failed the "shear pin" or "spun" the rubber bushing inside the prop. Pull the prop and see what is broken externally first. You may discover something simple. It would be helpful to tell us: what is the engine and its approximate age.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: prop not turning but engine runs

It is most likely a sheared pin. They are commonly used on smaller outboards. To check it, remove the prop nut and prop. There should be a hole in the prop shaft where the pin goes through. There is probably a piece of the pin still in the hole. Measure the diameter of the pin and the length of the recess for it in the prop. It should be brass which can be bought in 3ft lengths fairly cheap. Cut about 10 of them and keep them in the boat. When they shear again, simply change it on the water and keep boating. If it is steel, nails can be used. I would highly recommend sticking with brass though.