Suzuki DT55 Engine - Prop Spins in Forward Gear?

[DuckHunter1216]

Hi Everyone,

Little new to the boat world so I apologize in advanced. I'm running a Suzuki DT55 Engine 86-97 on a 1976 Ozark. I picked it up this past Saturday and when I took it on the Lake and tried to send it, the RPMs were high but the boat wasn't moving. I was able to move it enough to get back to the boat slip, but first thought was a Spun Hub. I replaced the Prop since I wanted a Pitch 10 vs the 13 with what came with it. I am trying to test the fix out, but my water is turned off at the house since it's winter time. So I put it in forward gear and the Prop is spinning clock wise and making a click noise. It does not spin counterclock wise. It might with force, but not going to try that. When I put it in reverse it doesn't spin freely in both directions.

Is this normal for it to spin clockwise and click when in forward gear? I read some older Mercs this is normal but wanted to check for my Suzuki DT55.

Appreciate the help!

Thanks,
Steve

 

[hardwater fisherman]

My mercs ratchet in foward gear also. I believe it's designed like that so when you reduce throttle quickly your prop doesn't stop spinning.. My older omc motors don't have that feature.. And when throttling back quickly it's like slamming on the brakes in a car.

 

[DuckHunter1216]

My mercs ratchet in foward gear also. I believe it's designed like that so when you reduce throttle quickly your prop doesn't stop spinning.. My older omc motors don't have that feature.. And when throttling back quickly it's like slamming on the brakes in a car.

Thanks for the reply. Are you locked up when in Reverse for both directions?

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Thanks for the reply. Are you locked up when in Reverse for both directions?

Yes reverse does not ratchet because you wont be traveling very fast in reverse to need it.