Changing impeller on 2000 25hp merc

[john_k]

"Changed impeller on my motor

"Changed impeller on my motor for 1st time.That was no problem.Putting the lower unit back was another matter.After finally getting shift rod lined up with the cam we checked prop only to find that while in forward the prop spun around with a clicking sound but neutral spun freely and reverse was locked.I was told to turn prop counter clockwise while in forward but no change.They said if that didn,t work I would have to drop the lower unit and re-align again as probably the main shaft wasn,t lined up.Is there any advise that you can give me?Thanks,John"

 

[beckerjs]

"clicking or ratcheting one di

"clicking or ratcheting one direction is normal. put it in neutral, spin prop by hand, if it moves freely you probably did it right."

 

[benjamin_jones]

"Hi there!

It's a good

"Hi there!

It's a good idea to always keep the motor in forward gear, especially when not on the water. This will ensure that the spring in the gearbox has little tension on it. If the motor is stored in "neutral", the spring has some tension on it, even more so when reverse is selected. Rather keep tension to bare minimum.
Also remember to pull the dead-man's cord out of the switch, this will prevent any accidental positive prop spin if motor is started inadvertantly. Good idea to wrap the cord around your control throttle lever to remind you of the gear engagement...
When on the plane, and slowing down quickly, you could typically hear that ratchet sound that JB mentions. It is the prop rpm over-running the driveshaft rpm, this is normal.

Happy boating!

Benjamin."