1997 Johnson 175 lower unit popping and grinding

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HS91_Mike

Seaman
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
62
Came back in from offshore and as we powered up I heard a loud thud near the engine. The boat planed out and the engine ran great all the way to the dock. As I slipped into forward gear from neutral there was a lot of grinding and a little play in the throttle like the engine was still in neutral. Then it grabbed, the prop started spinning and moving forward and there was skipping and popping noise as if the gear was slipping and catching.

Any ideas would be very appreciated.
 
S

Sixmark

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
890
Re: 1997 Johnson 175 lower unit popping and grinding

Drain the fluid and look for metal shavings, if there are none then you are lucky, either way the gearbox should be inspected completely.
 
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HS91_Mike

Seaman
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
62
Re: 1997 Johnson 175 lower unit popping and grinding

We were lucky. I cross my fingers and toes every time I go start the thing. The problem became very noticable when we dropped someone off at the dock to get the truck and we sat in the river waiting and just trying to give enough gas to sit in the current while we backed the trailer in. The slipping and kicking became very apparent at this time. Around 1200 rpms. Forward and reverse were affected. There was a good bit of popping and kicking in the engine as I got it on the trailer. Once in neutral, engien sounds great. No temp, water pressure, heating problems at all. The lower unit looks fine from the exterior. No visible leaks or damage on the exterior.
 
H

HS91_Mike

Seaman
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
62
Re: 1997 Johnson 175 lower unit popping and grinding

Thanks for the link. Gives me a good idea on worse case pricing if the LU and drive shaft have to be replaced. I am really suspecting that is what I am looking at.
 
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