What is this weird ticking noise coming from my engine?

[samocamo123]

It seems to be more noticeable when the engine has been running for a while and it doesn't seem to speed up when I rev up the boat. What do you think it could be? I have a 1986 Ebbtide Montego 170 with a 1985 Stringer 400 3L Engine (302STHRCOM). Also what would be the best (cheap) prop for my boat? I would like to be able to tube and ski but I don't want to have to sacrifice too much top speed.

 

[frobotz]

get a screwdriver and hold the handle to your ear. Move it around on the motor touching the other (pointy end) to hard non moving parts on the motor. Sound travels better thru solids. it will help you find the source of the noise.

 

[EchoNovember]

Can you upload a video of it making the sound so we can hear it?

My guess off the description is a lifter tick or a valve. Running a can of Seafoam through the tank should help dissolve deposits that might be causing that sound. However, without a video with clear sound, it's only guesswork and we'll be hard pressed to tell you for sure.

For propellers, check out iBoats propeller selection. Aluminum is cheaper than Stainless Steel, but you want SS for saltwater if that's where you'll be running it. There is also a lot of good info on propeller design. I am not a propeller expert, so I am not terribly qualified to give much of an opinion on them.

 

[EchoNovember]

get a screwdriver and hold the handle to your ear. Move it around on the motor touching the other (pointy end) to hard non moving parts on the motor. Sound travels better thru solids. it will help you find the source of the noise.

That is an awesome trick!

 

[Scott Danforth]

It seems to be more noticeable when the engine has been running for a while and it doesn't seem to speed up when I rev up the boat. What do you think it could be? I have a 1986 Ebbtide Montego 170 with a 1985 Stringer 400 3L Engine (302STHRCOM). Also what would be the best (cheap) prop for my boat? I would like to be able to tube and ski but I don't want to have to sacrifice too much top speed.

best cheap prop is going to be a 17p stainless prop from craigslist. look for an original OMC stainless prop as used on a V4 Johnson/Evenrude. I used 3 props on my boat with a 3.0 / stringer. a 15p for slalom skiing and trolling slow, a 17p for tubing and a 19p for cruising

check your timing. you could be too far advanced and the ticking could be detonation. you could also be running hot.

 

[Gunsanddaisys]

So the sound stays constant as the boat revs? That probably isn't a lifter then.