115 4 stroke noise in neutral

[davidra]

I recently got this Merc 115 4 stroke, new. When in neutral, there is a very loud grinding/whining noise which will disappear immediately after putting the motor in gear. If put back in neutral, there is a pause for about a second and then the noise starts again. I have had one Merc certified repairperson look at it and he says it's a normal noise. I've had several 4 strokes before that never made a noise like this. The owner of the place I bought the boat said he asked someone at Mercury about it and they said it was just the gears disengaged. Anyone noticed this? I just want to make sure we're not missing anything. Motor runs perfectly other than that.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 115 4 stroke noise in neutral

Some of those 4 strokes make noises in the lower unit,depending on the prop.Have your dealer run a search for bulletins,or post your serial number here,and someone will do it.<br /><br />Maybe do both,we might be able to educate your dealer if I'm correct.I know I'm correct for certain 50HP motors.<br /><br />DHP

 

[davidra]

Re: 115 4 stroke noise in neutral

Serial number is 1B067063.<br />Seems like someone might have mentioned the lower unit at some point, but as someone who knows almost nothing about outboards, why would there be a noise coming from the lower unit only when in neutral?