Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

[JasonAych]

I am looking at an early 60s 5.5 Johnson Outboard . The owner started it for me and it ran great. I noticed a clicking noise at lower RPMS which goes away at abot 1/4 to full RPMs. I'd describe it as more of a click than a tap or knock. Sounds like it is coming from the pull start assembly which is supposedly all new internals. Just want to confirm if this is a normal or abnormal noise. I am thinking it is normal.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

could be a pawl not retracting all the way, in the recoil. not saying that it is, just could be.

 

[JasonAych]

Re: Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

Thanks again for the responses.

Being that it is not mine yet and I really can't troubleshoot, I am looking for probability. I don't want to pass it by if it is something simple or normal. I am not an expert but I am not a novice either mechanically. I am fairly certain the noise is in the recoil assembly. I am not going to hold anybody to anything. Reality is Reality, I know you aren't the one hearing it first hand. Just give me your gut feel from what I described.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

spray some wd 40 under the recoil, 99% it is the pawl, they are suppose to have a light grease.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

After the engine has been started, and warmed up. Shut it off, remove recoil, and start it with a rope. That will at least rule out the recoil.

 

[F_R]

Re: Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

Actually the recoil on a '60s 5.5 would have the nylon pawl. Hard to imagine that thing making any noise. The pulley will sometimes rattle, especially if the rubber nose on the handle is shot or gone. I'd rather suspect you are hearing normal engine clatter.

Grab hold of the flywheel and try to move it to and fro. It shouldn't. That would be bearing looseness.

 

[JasonAych]

Re: Clicking noise early 60's 5.5

Thanks!

I am going with the fact that the noise disappears when rev?d. Seems like a centrifugal effect. I have never heard bearing related noises disappear or getting quieter for that matter when rev?d, especially with a load on the motor. Although I have heard piston slaps get quieter.

I will try moving the flywheel side to side.

It is a CL-17 which makes it a 1960 from what I have found out.