Propellor shaft - stupid novice question

[JamesHolland]

Well we just attempted to take our boat out for the first time and ended up going nowhere. The engine is an MD2020, I don't see any sign of the prop shaft going round. Could it be a fouled prop? Is there some kind of clutch that slips when it jams or has my gearbox broken?
<img>http://www.rhinopower.org/prop_shaft.jpg<\img>

 

[QBhoy]

Lots to assume for a novice I suppose. First thing might be to check it’s actially going into gear using remotes. If not try at gearbox itself where cables are attached. Unlikely it’s a sheared coupling without being obvious.

 

[VicS]

I agree with ^^^ check the operation at the lever on the side of the gearbox.

I think it would be obvious if the prop and shaft did not rotate freely ( a bit like trying to drive your car with the hand brake on)

There are clutches but they are integral parts of the gear box mechanism. The latest version of the engine ( MD2020D) I believe has a gearbox with multiple disc clutches while earlier versions have gearboxes with cone clutches, none of this being relevant to you unless you intend dismantling the gearbox!

Later flash of very dim inspiration:

Button in remote control lever that allows engine to be revved without engaging drive stuck in and not popping out again when moved to neutral position ??????????

 

[RichardS]

Well we just attempted to take our boat out for the first time and ended up going nowhere. The engine is an MD2020, I don't see any sign of the prop shaft going round. Could it be a fouled prop? Is there some kind of clutch that slips when it jams or has my gearbox broken?
<img>http://www.rhinopower.org/prop_shaft.jpg<\img>

Have you ever seen the prop/shaft turning on your boat during the purchase process for example? If so, it sounds like it is either stuck in neutral as Vic says or the cable to the gear change is broken or disconnected. This can be easily checked by operating the morse control whilst watching the lever on the side of the gearbox. Obviously, you must not engage neutral by pushing in the button/pulling out the handle whilst doing the check.

Richard

 

[JamesHolland]

Thank you for your replies, the problem was up at the lever end, forwards and reverse motion has been restored so all is now well. I'm sure that I should see that assembly going round - I forgot to check after reattaching the cable. I know that I would have seen it at some point but I just don't recall.