gear hanging up?

[J W]

Is it normal for the prop to have high resistance to turn by hand while stored outside?
Once initial torque (15-20 ft/lbs. I estimate) is applied prop turns with minimal effort. Try it again a week later and same condition.
Engine is a '98 Johnson Ocean Pro 175 hp if that matters.

Thanks in advance for your support!!!!

J W

 

[F_R]

Re: gear hanging up?

Is it normal for the prop to have high resistance to turn by hand while stored outside?
Once initial torque (15-20 ft/lbs. I estimate) is applied prop turns with minimal effort. Try it again a week later and same condition.
Engine is a '98 Johnson Ocean Pro 175 hp if that matters.

Thanks in advance for your support!!!!

J W

You have checked for water in the gearcase oil---haven't you?

 

[J W]

Re: gear hanging up?

not yet, it is not mine.
I'm in RI and the weather has not been co-operating with me. I've been hoping for a decent weekend day so I could pull deck hatches and put a battery in it to run engine up to temperature and take a compression check. The gent has the engine covered so I have yet to even peak at it.
To me this will be a big investment out of the family budget so I want to get it right. I'd really be a whole lot more comfortable if I were able to take for a ride......

 

[jonesg]

Re: gear hanging up?

Even with the shifter in neutral you're fighting the waterpump vanes in the pump housing, they take a set and get stiff(rubber pump impellor).
Pump impellor could be new too, mine was squeeky when I turned the prop by hand until after we ran it.

Take an impact screwdriver with wide blade and a small hammer, loosen the drain screw and see what comes out of the gearbox, honey colored oil is good, milkshake or water not so good.
Wait til temps cooperate so you can get a water hose on it.
I'm in Boston and its still way cold yet.

 

[ezeke]

Re: gear hanging up?

If the gearcase is in neutral, water pump mentioned above would have no impact on turning the propeller.

High viscosity oil gets even thicker when it's cold outside and water would have settled to the bottom by now and could be frozen. Old, worn out oil does not help either.