03 Merc. 150 Efi/saltwater Shift Grind Noise. Need Help

[MAC11]

Hi,

I have a 2003 Merc. 150 EFI Salwater (Not optimax) outboard. When I shift FROM F or R TO Neutral I get a grinding noise. Shifting FROM N to F or R is normal. Lower Unit is free of water and metal. Thrust washer is correct. Motor otherwise runs fine. It's seems to be getting worse, to the point where I'm shutting the motor down while still in gear to avoid the grind. The factory (Merc.) told me it's a shift adjustment issue ?? The only thing different since the problem developed is swithing from an alum prop to SS. Can a heavier prop cause this ? Is the idle to High ? Something worse ??????

ANY advise would be very helpful. Thank you

 

[gss036]

Re: 03 Merc. 150 Efi/saltwater Shift Grind Noise. Need Help

The SS prop is probably 5-6 times heavier than the alumn prop and yes it could affect it. They all (Mercs) have some grinding, so you need to **** fast and hard to avoid the grinding. The gear cogs are square cut instead of tapered like automobiles.

 

[MAC11]

Re: 03 Merc. 150 Efi/saltwater Shift Grind Noise. Need Help

Thanks for responding . Just to clarify, I get the grinding sound when I shift OUT of gear. (From F/R to N.) When I shift from N to F/R, I get the normal engagement clunk.