1996 Mercury 200 EFI

[rambilt]

I just bought a new to me boat last Friday. Its got a 200 Merc hanging on its back. The motor idles at 1000 RPM and when you put it in gear either way it grinds. The prop spins a little to fast for being in idel speed. How do I adjust the idle speed on this motor and what rpm do I adjust it to? Will the grinding stops when the idle speed is lowered? Do you think the lower unit is bad? Please response desperately seeking help. Thank you.

 

[sledstew]

Re: 1996 Mercury 200 EFI

If you are concerned about the lower unit I would drain the oil and look for metal shavings. Its a place to start. 1000 Rpm is maybe a touch high but not extreme for your motor.

 

[dpatterson]

Re: 1996 Mercury 200 EFI

I would assume this is normal since I have not seen a Mercury that didn't do this. My friends all joke about the gear boxes in these things because of that. My exp is the faster you put it in gear the better (less grinding noise).

But I can tell you I have never heard a Merc that didn't make this noise.

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1996 Mercury 200 EFI

Merc's have a square toothed dog clutch to engage the prop. If you shift it slowly, letting it grind into gear, you're hurting it. At 1000 rpm or below, it's designed to be bumped smartly into gear, with a single "clunk".

hope it helps
John

 

[rambilt]

Re: 1996 Mercury 200 EFI

I would assume this is normal since I have not seen a Mercury that didn't do this. My friends all joke about the gear boxes in these things because of that. My exp is the faster you put it in gear the better (less grinding noise).

But I can tell you I have never heard a Merc that didn't make this noise.

dpatterson, thanks for the info you have ease me out of my stress. Thanks a lot.

 

[rambilt]

Re: 1996 Mercury 200 EFI

Merc's have a square toothed dog clutch to engage the prop. If you shift it slowly, letting it grind into gear, you're hurting it. At 1000 rpm or below, it's designed to be bumped smartly into gear, with a single "clunk".

hope it helps
John

j_martin, thank you vr much. you and dpatterson surely helps for me get a good night sleep from now on. Thank you.