I can spin my propeller even though it is in gear. Why?

[Vince_nj1]

I removed my propellers this past weekend to send them out for repair. When I tried to loosen the nuts, the shaft turned. I had the bright idea to simply but the boat in gear and try again. I did, and the shaft still turned. I don't get it? I can turn the prop in both directions even when the boat is gear. Can someone explain why?

I was successful in removing the props. I wedged a framing hammer between the prop and the rudder. Using a prop puller, I had both props off in less ½ hour.

 

[rcknecht]

Even in gear you probably have enough torque to turn the over the motor, when loosening the nuts...

 

[Bucit]

You should prop a 2x4 on one blade and the under side of the outdrive. This allows easy removal of the prop nut and prop. Without it you will be able to turn the prop. This is normal.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Rod

I was able to spin the prop by hand. I only turned it about 1/4 to 1/2 turn, but I did not have any resistance from the transmission. Could there be that much play?

 

[Redhook98]

The transmissions work with the viscous motion of the transmission fluid. Without the engine turning the pump in the tranny, there is no viscous fluid pressure build-up. Just like the automatic transmission in your car. Leave that in drive, and you will still roll.


In other words, thats what is supposed to happen.

 

[Larry]

These transmissions are hydraulic, there are pumps inside that get's it's preasure when the engine is running (turning the front shaft). This is why you can't stop your prop from free spinning if you had to come in one motor by just putting it in gear.

Guess I was to slow again :grin:

 

[Vince_nj1]

Thank you!

I didnt realize the trans worked that way, I thought the transmission was mechanical.

 

[Redhook98]

Thank you!

I didnt realize the trans worked that way, I thought the transmission was mechanical.

Nope... Not unless you have that rare Sea Ray with a clutch pedal. ?? Sorry, couldn't resist..... :lol:

 

[Vince_nj1]

I based my assumption on my old Alpha 1 drive. The engine had a cutoff switch that would momentarily kill the engine when you put boat into gear. I didn't realize that the V-Drive transmission works very different. It makes sense, now that you point it out, since the throttles and transmissions work independent of each other there wouldnt be a way to kill then engine.

I learned a lot faster how things worked with my stern drive boat since everything broke on a regular basis. (3 out drives and 2 engines in 2 years). If I blew up my V-Drive transmission I would know how it works and what it costs to repair.

Sometimes Not knowing = not repairing

 

[fc3]

These transmissions are hydraulic, there are pumps inside that get's it's preasure when the engine is running (turning the front shaft). This is why you can't stop your prop from free spinning if you had to come in one motor by just putting it in gear.

Guess I was to slow again :grin:

Winner!
Yes, hydraulic pressure passes though the shift lever controlled valve, which applies hydraulic pressure to the clutch packs, engaging drive.

Has nothing to do with viscosity or turning the engine. If you want to lock up the clutch pack, you have to have the engine running and the transmission in gear, which is a poor time to choose to service the propellers.

If you are going to have the propellers serviced, then blocking the props with wood is acceptable. If you are installing props after having them tuned, do not use a anything against the blades to tighten the retaining nuts.