Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

[alaska_av8r]

1975 Searay Ford 302 888 I drive


Well from a previous post where I sheared the drive and driven gears, I was able to find a complete outdrive (used) to replace my old one. Had it checked out by a mercruiser dealer, new water pump installed and given the thumbs up.

Installed it and now I have a low freq clunk as the prop turns, and the outdrive jerks in time with this clunk.

Any suggestions before we have to open the pocket book or the match stick.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

Sounds like U joints to me.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

Ujoints,,,,,​

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

Guys thanks a ton for your replies...that is where I will look first.

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

Update:

Replacing gimbal bearing and U-joints both......

Question....the original gimbal bearing appeared flush with face of the I believe you call it the bearing race......when I put in the new bearing should I stop when it is even with the face.....or go ahead and fully seat it....it can go another 3/8 inch or so back toward the seal?

Also in the process of troubleshooting this clunking, somehow I got water in the upper drive unit, oil is milky....is this something I did with the water O ring and gasket between the drive and bell housing or....do I have other problems...
this happened when I hooked up water to the unit to run it on the trailer.

thanks in advance.....

Don I admire your patience for working on these things.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

or go ahead and fully seat it....

Ayuh.........

do I have other problems...

Ayuh,...... Probably a Seal........ If there was water in the Bellows,.... It's probably the Input Shaft Seal...... If Not, it could be Any 1 of the Seals.....
A Pressure/ Vacuum Test should tell you Which 1.....

 

[alaska_av8r]

Re: Mercruiser 888 I drive clunk

well bellows appeared in good shape...replaced u-joints and gimbal bearing....still have clunking.......

took my old lower unit and switched it out on this drive...no change...soooo its upper drive or something else...

also noticied clicking when turned full travel.....from what I read here that would indicate u-joints...but I just replaced those critters......

took a pipe and put it to the side of drive in various places...still cannot isolate the source....waiting on stethoscope from mom....and ill play doctor.....take a deep breath...