Coupler or clutch dog

[tiaratrouble]

1986 tiara Continental 2600 with 5.7 260hp mercruiser and alpha one out drive. All indications point to a bad coupler but would like to rule out everything before trying to remove the engine. How can I officially rule out clutch dog? Prop will spin in reverse when in fwd gear. Thanks y'all

 

[Bt Doctur]

With the engine OFF, shift into fwd, stand on a prop blade and try to turn it.
Have someone look at the inputshaft at the rear of the motor prop moves, shaft turns=coupler
prop moves ,shaft does not= drive gear issue

 

[tiaratrouble]

Brilliant. That makes sense! Thank you, I'll try and get an update ASAP

 

[bondo]

Brilliant. That makes sense! Thank you, I'll try and get an update ASAP

Ayuh,..... If the coupler is stripped, there'll be no water coming from the drive to the motor,.....
'n there'll be rubber crumbs around the back of the motor,.....

Never seen a dog clutch break, but have seen the prop hub slip, or the drive's vertical shaft snap off,....