1971 Mercury 500 50hp Clicking noise

[skaggst]

Hello all,
The old 1971 mercury 500 50hp is running well however I have noticed that when i put the engine in neutral and turn the prop either way by hand, I notice there is a clicking sound.....would this be normal or something I should be worried about. Sorry in advance for the novice question.

 

[mr 88]

Re: 1971 Mercury 500 50hp Clicking noise

They are designed that way.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1971 Mercury 500 50hp Clicking noise

You are hearing the clutch dog dragging as it is not quite out of forward gear have someone move the shift lever towards rev. as you turn the prop if it stops then adjust your cable to push it farther toward rev gear, if moving the shift lever toward rev don't help then move it slightly towords forward and if that helps adjust it towards forward. They are not designed to click like that, inless they are not adjusted right.