I have a merc outdrive I just got ('78 or '79) and took it off the boat to check; the drive shaft clicks but doesn't turn.<br /><br />The prop and shift seems fine; I can turn the prop by hand both directions in neutral, one direction in forward, other direction in reverse.<br /><br />I can visibly see the shaft turn a tiny amount; it budges the verticle shaft I can see on the upper unit but it doesn't make a complete circle.<br /><br />I would think bad bearings would mean it would be frozen and not turn at all.<br /><br />Where should I start? separate upper and lower, then start at the top?<br /><br />A Clymer manual is on the way in a week. No rush it's my backup project boat.<br /><br />Engine: Merc mcm470 170 HP 224 cid SN: 5479207<br /><br />Out drive: model "R" drive (it has the loop on top and lines on the upper, rounded lower unit) serial number hard to read looks like 5339540 or 5839540.<br /><br />The www.mercruiser.com parts express site doesn't recognise my serial number even with a 0 in front of it; so they say I can't use their site for 7-digit serial numbers pre-1980.
