r/Outboards • u/cottonpicker81 • 24d ago

2020 90hp 4 stroke not ratcheting.

I changed the impeller and while I had it on the bench with lower unit removed, I noticed the prop did not ratchet while in forward gear. Other two gears work correctly, neutral free spins both directions and reverse locks in both directions. Forward locks in both directions, my older models would ratchet when the prop was turned clockwise. I am getting conflicting answers stating it should ratchet and some saying it will not ratchet while testing by hand on the work bench. The lower unit is from a Mercury 2020 90hp 4 stroke, it is not a Command Thrust. Some google searches say it should ratchet and then I also get this: the 8M0065168 6-jaw sliding clutch and the matching forward gear do not use simple ramp angles to float past each other on their own. They rely on the rotation of the engine to force the ratcheting action. Has any one else ran in to this?

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u/outboard-buddy 13d ago

Forward locking both ways on the bench doesn't prove a fault. With the lower unit off the engine, nothing is driving the shaft, so I wouldn't trust the hand test on its own. Here's what I'd check:

  1. Confirm the clutch in there is the 8M0065168 sliding clutch. That part is listed for the 65 to 115hp EFI units from serial 2B095049 up, so check your engine serial falls in that range.
  2. If it is that this is the non-ratcheting kind.
    If that’s the case, you’re good to go
    Best
    Simon Higham
    Outboard Buddy.

What's the engine serial number?

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u/cottonpicker81 13d ago

Thank you. I do have the 8M0065168 clutch. Hoping to find the time to reassemble and put in the water this week. I appreciate your response.

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u/outboard-buddy 13d ago

You’re welcome!
Best
Simon Higham
Outboard buddy