What just happened to my boat?
 

Hey guys,

After a great three days on the water, we were on the way back to the marina to put the 36 on the trailer. It was running GREAT and then something happened.

At around 5000 RPM there is a problem on the port side.

Suddenly a lose of power, I immediately pull back on the throttles and watch the tach and oil pressure go to zero on the port engine and it dies.

I don't know if I have an engine problem or a drive problem. I have never "Knock on Wood" lost an engine or drive.

I check the drive the best I can in the water and all looks good from the outside. The engine looks fine as well. All fluid levels for both are good.

The drive is stuck in forward and would not come out. I cannot turn the prop.

Once on the trailer I could look at the drive very well and there is no external sign of damage.

Could the engine have just stalled for some reason and it is just stuck in drive?

Could I have lost a drive or even worse an engine?

How can I over ride the safety switch that will not allow the engine to start while still in drive?

Any comments are appreciated.

2002, Merc 500 EFI's with XZ drives, 26 pitch props, 130 Hours.

I would first pull the drive and then put the shifters in neutral, then pull the kill switch and turn the engine over with the key ( dont try to start it ) If it sounds OK ( no strange noises ) reinstall the kill switch and start the motor. If motor runs ok then take the drive to someone to look at it.

Re: What just happened to my boat?
 

If you have access to the underside of your shifters, you can hold in the plunger of the nuetral safety switch and bump the key while someone applies just enough pressure on the shifter to move it back into neutral. (Pull your landlard(sp) to keep motor from starting)

Thanks guys, all the replys will help a lot.

Fred, My one year warranty just expired on June 22nd, I do have an extended warranty. May have to see if PassPort is any good??

Would really like to determine if the problem is with the engine or drive, so I know who th take the boat to.

If it's the drive there are a couple of local guys that can to the repair. If it is the engine I'm going to Florida.

It does concern me that the engine quit, however I have heard of some engines quit because of rough conditions lately.

We will see.

Blown drive.

If you have to use the Passport warranty I hope you have good luck. I have heard some bad stuff about them. I have had to use my Passport warranty 2 times and they stepped up with no problems, maybe I was lucky, but my experiences with them were good!:) Hope everything works out....

I'm with Jersey Tom...smoked, locked in gear drive! :(

Did you run out of gas on that side? You did already check that, right?

Payton,

The 36 only has one fuel tank (235 Gallons) that supplies both engines. I have about 100 to 125 gallons left in there.

Wish I had run out of gas!!!!!!!

My guess is fuel or ignition. Try these two simple checks:

- Check the fuel/water seperator. Is it full? Is there water inside?

- Check for spark at the coil wire with a screw driver close to a ground. (You'll have to manuall close the neutral safety switch.)

BTW - My drives sometimes "lock" in or out of gear unless the motors are running.

Good Luck,
Jeff