92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

[ShaneCarroll]

I have a 92 MerCruiser 3.0L. When idling, everything runs great. When running at or close to WOT, it makes a terrible (possibly grinding) noise when steering to the port side. Someone suggested the gimbal bearing. Any ideas?

Also, I wanted to say thanks again to Bond-O and Don S, as they are both very informative and helpful.

Thank You.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

Someone suggested the gimbal bearing. Any ideas?

Ayuh,... That's where I'd start Lookin',...

Thanks...

 

[swordfish25]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

gimbal bearings would make a noise all the time. Is the noise in the engine compartment? might be the power steering pump. Check the belts, they need to be tight. Possiable U joints .The prop is not hitting the ladder if you one.

 

[Don S]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

Pull the outdrive, somehow I would bet money on water in the bellows.
Takes out the ujoints, gimbal bearings, and if allowed to go on long enought the outdrive.
You do pull your drive yearly for yearly maintenance and inspections don't you?

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

Well, I have only had the boat for a month and a half, so I have not pulled the entire outdrive off yet.
In regards to the ladder, no, the ladder is secured on the swim platform, and even if it was in the water, it comes nowhere near the outdrive.
I did pull the lower unit off last weekend while changing the impeller, and noticed a few chunks of debris (rust) in there. I cleared all that stuff out.
I am getting ready to take the outdrive off in a couple weeks, just need to get the boat out of the storage facility.
As for power steering, I do not have the power steering hooked up currently, the bracket holding the pump broke (which I heard is common from a boat salvage yard), so I disconnected it. Even with the power steering hooked up, it still made the noise.
What would water in the bellows do exactly? I don't see how it could make such a noise.
Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Don S]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

What would water in the bellows do exactly? I don't see how it could make such a noise.

Water is not a lubrican, and it does wash the grease off the gimbal bearing and ujoints. Then, water causes rust. Rust causes bearing failures.
Should I go further, or do you get the idea ?

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

No, I get the idea. I just didn't think about the after effect. So, pretty much I need to pull the outdrive, drain bellows, and then apply grease (assuming everything is still in good condition)? Also, would water in the bellows by any chance cause water to leak in the transom when the engine is off, and I am anchored or moored somewhere?

 

[lowkee]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

If there is water in the bellows, you will need to find out why. The usual suspect is a tear or crack in the bellows rubber itself. If that is the case, a new bellows is in order.

Take the drive off (1/2" allen wrench will be needed, I use the ratchet type) and check them out. We can work from there. Take pictures, as it'll help us diagnose much easier.

To test the gimbal bearing, pull the drive off and place you fingers into the bearing and twist. If it is perfectly smooth and turns with little effort, you are okay. If it has even a tiny tiny bit of roughness to it, replace it. They only cost about $35, so you won't be breaking the bank on one. The bellows on the other hand.. those rubber boots have a painful markup.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 92 MerCruiser 3.0 Noise at WOT when turning to port side

Also, would water in the bellows by any chance cause water to leak in the transom when the engine is off, and I am anchored or moored somewhere?

Ayuh,... Quite possibly...

(assuming everything is still in good condition)?

It's Not,... That's why it's making Noise....