Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

[erikpn]

On a 79 Johnson 55hp. It hadn't warmed up for more than about 10 minutes though. It seemed to smooth out once it was in gear, then it stalled. I watched the owner try to back it up after our test drive and it stalled again. The guy said it was normal for boats to run worse in reverse than in forward. The motor looked otherwise clean and ran pretty smoothly going into forward gear. Should I still buy the boat or is there something wrong with the outboard?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Something is WRONG..
The motor doesnt know if its in reverse or not.
I cant tell you what the problem is but i know hes not telling you the truth....

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

it did run in reverse successfully for a little while in the middle of the lake. But trying to trailer it, it didn't reverse well. The boat is otherwise solid and looks good, same for the trailer, and the price is right. Should I still get it?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Should I still get it?

You know the problems with it. You have to make that choice for yourself..

In todays market there are a lot of boats for sale tho...
I would pass but thats me..
I bought a 29 foot boat a few weeks ago for 900.00 took out the merc's and alpha 1 drives and sold the hull and trailer for 950.00. So there ore deals out there.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Well.. not really. I don't know exactly what it is or what it would cost to fix, I'm hoping one of you guys know. I hear of boats that don't go into reverse at all. I don't want it if it dies completely on me and to have a hunk of junk for an outboard, but if I just have to be careful going into reverse, I would still take it at a reduced price.

 

[F_R]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

it did run in reverse successfully for a little while in the middle of the lake. But trying to trailer it, it didn't reverse well. The boat is otherwise solid and looks good, same for the trailer, and the price is right. Should I still get it?

Best case scenario: Is he trying to "ease" it into gear? That is the worst thing you can do. Always shift as rapidly as possible. It should go into gear with only one clunk, never grind.

Possibility #2: Control cable could be out of adjustment.

Worst case: Reverse gear and clutch dog are worn out. #1 & 2 can cause that. Reach Wa-a-a-y-y-y down deep in your wallet pocket.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Best case scenario: Is he trying to "ease" it into gear? That is the worst thing you can do. Always shift as rapidly as possible. It should go into gear with only one clunk, never grind.

Possibility #2: Control cable could be out of adjustment.

Worst case: Reverse gear and clutch dog are worn out. #1 & 2 can cause that. Reach Wa-a-a-y-y-y down deep in your wallet pocket.

we were easing it into gear, but we eased it into forward as well and it didn't make those sounds or stall.

If reverse gear and clutch dog are worn out, will it make the entire outboard stop working at some point? Or will it continue to drive in forward smoothly?

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Is the price really right or is it just in your payment range. A well tuned engine should run just as well in reverse (without vibration other than that caused by cavitation from a fast shifting of forward to reverse which can cause a slight rumble, for lack of a better description). Grinding is not a good noise although it might be a caused by nothing more than the shift linkage not adusted correctly.

Best of luck on your purchase if you go ahead with it.

PS: Just for fun and chuckles see if the owner will let you drain the lower unit and check for metal chips if you agree to buy the replacement fluid.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

It's 2200 for the motor, boat, and trailer. also comes with a livewell and pump, a depth finder, some fish holders and other goodies. The boat is a 17' aluminum sea nymph in good condition, floors and transom checked out solid. Do you think I should go ahead with it? If it's an issue with reverse gear and a clutch dog, will the forward gear also be expected to soon go kaboom on me?

 

[F_R]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

It's 2200 for the motor, boat, and trailer. also comes with a livewell and pump, a depth finder, some fish holders and other goodies. The boat is a 17' aluminum sea nymph in good condition, floors and transom checked out solid. Do you think I should go ahead with it? If it's an issue with reverse gear and a clutch dog, will the forward gear also be expected to soon go kaboom on me?

Can't say, it depends. The grinding is causing extreme wear to the clutch dog and reverse gear. The metal chips being beaten off those parts can get into bearings, causing them to fail. When a bearing fails, the whole thing is kaflooey.

If you get it, drain, flush and refill the lower unit and hope for the best. And shift it properly. It might be just fine. You can visit any launching ramp and hear people easing their motors in gear. They don't ALL fail.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Can't say, it depends. The grinding is causing extreme wear to the clutch dog and reverse gear. The metal chips being beaten off those parts can get into bearings, causing them to fail. When a bearing fails, the whole thing is kaflooey.

If you get it, drain, flush and refill the lower unit and hope for the best. And shift it properly. It might be just fine. You can visit any launching ramp and hear people easing their motors in gear. They don't ALL fail.

He'll let me drain it and flush it while I'm over there, before money exchanges hands. I hope it's fine. If the old oil is full of chips, should I pass it up?

 

[Daviet]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

If there are metal particles in the lower unit oil you will probably have a major repair on your hands. Can you do this type of repair yourself?

 

[butterbean121170]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

MY motor was doing the same thing lasted about 2 weeks now im replacing the clutch.

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

If there are metal particles in the lower unit oil you will probably have a major repair on your hands. Can you do this type of repair yourself?

I don't know. What do you mean by major? Just wrenching, or will welding and fabricating or use of specialized tools be involved? I can and enjoy working on cars. I know people who think replacing brake pads is major. I know people who don't think it's major unless they're doing engine internals. The hardest thing about work on cars is getting access to certain areas. it seems like it'd be easier to gain access on things on an outboard by far.

I know jack squat about outboards though. I just learned how a 2 stroke works from youtube in fact.

If theres metal particles in there, can I just replace the lower unit? Is that where all the "transmission" of an outboard is located?

 

[F_R]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

I don't know. What do you mean by major? Just wrenching, or will welding and fabricating or use of specialized tools be involved? I can and enjoy working on cars. I know people who think replacing brake pads is major. I know people who don't think it's major unless they're doing engine internals. The hardest thing about work on cars is getting access to certain areas. it seems like it'd be easier to gain access on things on an outboard by far.

I know jack squat about outboards though. I just learned how a 2 stroke works from youtube in fact.

If theres metal particles in there, can I just replace the lower unit? Is that where all the "transmission" of an outboard is located?

Of course you can replace the lower unit if you want to. Usually not a good choice unless yours is trash and you are assured you are getting one that doesn't need repair also.

The "transmission" is in the lower unit gearcase. You can get an idea what it looks like by visiting the BRP website and look at the parts catalog. http://shop.evinrude.com/ You might also make a visit to a library and see if they have a service manual you can look at.

I would expect metal "dust" in the oil, that is one of the reasons that oil changes are required as normal maintenance. Large chunks and grindings, no. One or two small slivers----well at least you know they aren't stuck in a roller bearing somewhere.

If I were the buyer and if it works OK when shifted properly, I would be inclined to take a chance on it, if everything else about the deal is acceptable.

A bit of advice I gave my son when we went shopping for his first car: Always assume a used car has SOMETHING wrong with it. The challenge is figuring out what it is, and decide if you can live with it if there is something wrong. Then if there is nothing wrong, you made out very well.

 

[vegasphotoman]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

Sounds kinda pricey to mee ($2200)
if you REALLY like the boat, Im sure you can pick up an outboard later if there is major issue...try craigslist or a junk boat with a good outboard to scavenge...
always shift quickly...it always grinds up the gears when you lollygag....like shifing your car SLOWLY from park to drive, you dont do that do ya? not good for the gears at all!

 

[erikpn]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

drained the gear case oil today, it was milky white and syrupy. That means it's contaminated with water, right? and the outboard is no good? also the trim motor blew a fuse while trying to adjust it. I'm just so sick of looking at boats, it's been 3 months and everything I look at is crap. New boats and dealer lot prices seem like a bargain compared to the overpriced trash on craigslist.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Grinding sounds and shaking when going into reverse? Is that normal?

drained the gear case oil today, it was milky white and syrupy. That means it's contaminated with water, right? and the outboard is no good? also the trim motor blew a fuse while trying to adjust it. I'm just so sick of looking at boats, it's been 3 months and everything I look at is crap. New boats and dealer lot prices seem like a bargain compared to the overpriced trash on craigslist.

my personal crap radar is beeping!id pass on it if i were you ,dont feel rushed to purchase any boat or you usually regret it later.take your time ,the right one will come along sooner or later.