got a problem

[zenchal26]

just got done taking a quick look at my friends 115elpt45 115hp merc and when it is in fwd gear (out of water running) the lower unit is going clunk clunk clunk as the prop turns. I tried to adjust the shift cable but with no luck. I then put it in gear and shut it off and tried to rotate prop it rotates with little effort and makes the same clunk any ideas?

 

[marty53]

Re: got a problem

maybe a stripped gear or something... you are going to have to start by taking the lower unit off and possibly rebuilding it-- worst case finding a new one

 

[jimg984]

Re: got a problem

with engine shut off and in forward gear it will clunk one way,, if it clunks both ways in forward gear, yes sounds like a problem

 

[marty53]

Re: got a problem

i think he said it was with engine running -- so , sounds like a problem

 

[zenchal26]

Re: got a problem

with eng running it clunks. It also clunks when in fwd with eng off, prop will only spin in on direction like this. According to my friend it never made this noise before.

 

[zenchal26]

Re: got a problem

bump

 

[PlayDoh]

Re: got a problem

Define "Clunk"? If something is banging around in the lower-leg then something is broken and you'll have to take it off to know what it is. If its "ratcheting" as though its not traveling far enough to engage the gear, then it could just be a matter of adjustment.

Put the control Box (CB) in forward about half way, then take the gear linkage off at the side of the motor and see if you can manually put the gear leaver farther towards 'forward'.

Then turn the prop and it should click/ratchet Clock wise, but not CCW. It shouldn't freely spin, but it will click past fairly easy.

Yet to be honest, it sounds like you have something broken in the lower-leg. Probably the prop-shaft, based on what I would call a 'clunk'.

Also, did you adjust the linkage, or not? "No luck" as in it didn't work, or you couldn't do it?

 

[zenchal26]

Re: got a problem

adjusted linkage with no luck also tried puching the lever all the way with finger no luck. so eng off in gear you can turn the prop clockwise (looking at the prop from the rear) and it will make a click sound and counter clockwise should not turn at all. Now with the eng running and in fwd should you get the same click sound as the prop is turning?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: got a problem

Engine OFF, prop rotates CW with clicking/ratcheting sound, CCW positive locks is totally normal by design.

Clicking or ratcheting noise in forward with the engine running should NOT occur UNLESS the engine is decelerating while the prop is coasting/clicking/ratcheting faster than the engine is turning, which you should NOT be wicking the throttle when out of the water!

Some motors with an very low idle speed WILL ratchet the prop as the engine/prop speed thru seemingly smooth on the tach is actually erratic, in that as each cyl fires the crank/prop accelerates then immediately the crank begins to decelerate coming up on compression of the next cyl, meanwhile the prop ratchets one click then the next cyl fires, etc, etc.

Chances are nothing is wrong but a slow idle and the owner simply does NOT hear this once in the water.