Can't pull motor over in gear - motor sitting up. What's wrong?

[Newhook]

Hello,<br /><br />I have a 1998 25hp Merc 4-stroke that has never been out of the crate. It is now on the boat and in getting ready to take it out and before I hooked up the gas, I checked the oil, lube etc. and tried pulling it over in neutral to ensure that all moved well; and it did. I then decided to try pulling it over in gear, again before the gas went on, to ensure that all moved properly down below. Well, it did'nt budge. The cord was not moving no way no how either in forward or reverse, only in neutral. <br /><br />My assumption was that this must be a safety feature and so I was tempted to start her up in the yard with the hose on and whack her into gear and see what happened. My mind started working and I thought it best to ask the experts if that would be a dumb move. <br /><br />Is this normal?<br /><br />If not what is it and how is it fixed?<br /><br />Thank-you

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Can't pull motor over in gear - motor sitting up. What's wrong?

Does the prop spin freely when in neutral?

 

[jegervais]

Re: Can't pull motor over in gear - motor sitting up. What's wrong?

Your assumption is correct. It is a safety device, called "start in gear protection". It's required by federal law.<br /><br />-John<br /><br />BTW, you can start it on the hose and try it in your drive-way, however the manufacturer recommends (for your safety) that you remove the prop before running like that.

 

[Newhook]

Re: Can't pull motor over in gear - motor sitting up. What's wrong?

Thanks for the reply. I'll give it a try this weekend. The prop is not on the motor yet but I did slide it on the shaft to see if it turned while in neutral and it did.