Out boards, I need help...

[stevegustafson]

I am new to this forum. Actually, i am new to all forums. I just acquired a Gamefisher 7.5hp air cooled motor. I took it out to the lake last night and got it to run. At first it was pushing me through the water ok. Then it flooded out. It took me 30 minutesntonget it going again. When I got it running the prop won't spin when in gear. I think I broke something. What and how I am not sure. What can I look for?

[G-Man]

Shear pin most likely. They are designed to break and save the prop and internal gears, drive shaft, etc.

[MotoBoat]

If the motor has forward and reverse gears. Check the shear pin by first REMOVING THE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG. That will not allow the motor to start, while you turn the prop when motor is in gear. If prop spins freely, check the shear pin. Most times the shear pin is a cotter pin. Make sure motor is in gear though, because the prop will spin freely when in neutral also. Needs to be in gear to create resistance for spinning the propeller.

[stevegustafson]

Thank you for taking the time assit in my trouble shooting. The motor only has forward and neutral. The prop spins free in both positions. I can manually turn the nut exposed behind the prop with a cotter pin in it and it compresses the motor. I think your both right. I think is the shear pin. I will let you all know when I find out for sure. Thank you again.

Five-O out!!!

[Lotech Joe]

If I may ask, how fast did your motor push your boat at full throttle? I'm thinking about getting one for my 12' jon boat.

[stevegustafson]

I don't know yet. I haven't had it running in gear long enough to plain. I will update when I know...

[stevegustafson]

I just took the prop off and found the broken shear pin. It appears to be copper. The prop says 5/8 stamped inside. I am assuming that is the diameter of the hole. I am going to get a new pin tomorrow. Where do I go? West marine on the water front in Everett by the naval ship yard?

[MotoBoat]

If the motor has forward and reverse gears. Check the shear pin by first REMOVING THE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG. That will not allow the motor to start, while you turn the prop when motor is in gear. If prop spins freely, check the shear pin. Most times the shear pin is a cotter pin. Make sure motor is in gear though, because the prop will spin freely when in neutral also. Needs to be in gear to create resistance for spinning the propeller.

After a moment of reconsideration. I remember the shear pin is not.....a cotter pin. It is a couple inched long and round like the shank of a nail. I cut a nail close to the shear pin diameter and used that in a pinch. Shear pin is meant to break when exerted with a predetermined amount of force. Like when the prop hits something while rotating. The nail shank would likely shear something else before breaking. So, try to find the proper replacement part, if you find that to be the problem.

[G-Man]

Not sure if West Marine will have the pin, I'd call around before hopping in the car. I am certiain that your shear pin is not 5/8" diameter so be sure to bring the old remains of the pin with you for comparison. If you know anyone with a micrometer, they can get you the exact dimensions of the pin which will make finding a replacement much easier. Also, get a couple extra, just in case.

[stevegustafson]

Thanks. I would like to clarify... I think 5/8 is the diameter of the shaft that the prop is bolted to... Sorry for not completing my thought process clearly. I have the parts with me. I will update soon.

[stevegustafson]

Shear pin was the fix. The nut with the cotter pin that holds the prop seamed loose. How tigh should it be. I snugged it pretty good. I did not reef on it, but if the pin shears off again, what do I use to get the nut loose with out something to hold the shaft from rotating.

[Amx]

put it in gear to hold the shaft while turning the nut.

[G-Man]

*edit*

I'm not sure what I was thinking when I first read your question. AMX's technique should work as long as it isn't on too tight.