Prop Not turning

[Davewayne]

I have a 1990 I/O 4.3 L Sea Ray Mercruser Alpha 1 which was running Great, then the prop stopped tuning. After pulling out of water I checked and when it is in forward throttle the prop will turn but will not turn backwards. At first I thought it might be a spun prop. The gear oil looks like it may have some very tiny metal shavings in it when I removed the upper screw. Can anyone tell me what might be going on? The engine runs good but the prop will not engage.

 

[Sea Rider]

Having metal shavings is very bad for the lower leg, seems something that drives the prop shaft like gears went kaputt!!

Happy Boating

 

[porscheguy]

Pull the lower drain plug to check the condition of the gear oil. Don’t immediately assume your drive is trashed. It could be a shift cable issue, bad coupler, etc.