a popping noise coming from my 1996 XR6 150 while tilting it up or down.

[wakeb16]

i have a 96 XR6 Mercury and its just recently started to make a popping sound as i tilt the motor up or down. First i thought it was my transom cracking but as i listened carefully next to the motor i could hear it was coming from the two pistons which the engine compresses as it is almost completely lowered. Could this my only due to a lack of fluid or do i have a bigger promblem? thanks to any responses.

 

[achris]

Re: a popping noise coming from my 1996 XR6 150 while tilting it up or down.

Sounds more like the bushing in the top of the tilt ram is in need of some TLC. Tilt ram is the big one between the pisons you can see. Tilt the motor full up, secure it in that position, remove the locking pin and then drive the main pin out. Clean it and the bores up, lubricate it with something like Aqualube or Quicksilver Lub 101 and refit it all. <br /><br />If that doesn't fix it, take two aspirins and call me in the morning. <br /><br />Chris.............

 

[wakeb16]

Re: a popping noise coming from my 1996 XR6 150 while tilting it up or down.

is there the possiblity of having to much tilt/trim fluid because i just went out and checked the fluid level and a good amount of fluid came gushing out when i removed the plastic cap? after a short clean up and a change of clothes i put the cap back on and tilted the motor back down. after loosing some of the tilt/trim fluid the motor no longer makes the popping sounds like before. i wonder if there could have been some air in there or if the fluid level could have been too high. i tilted the motor up again and it clearly works perfectly so i know that the level is not too low now. any answers to this one?

 

[achris]

Re: a popping noise coming from my 1996 XR6 150 while tilting it up or down.

Did you check the level as per the book? These systems run pressurized fluid. If you checked it in the down position, yes, it will gush fluid out. The correct way to check it is to have the engine fully tilted up, then carefully remove the cap. The fluid should be to the base of the threads in the tube.<br /><br />Chris.............

 

[CaptJB]

Re: a popping noise coming from my 1996 XR6 150 while tilting it up or down.

I have a pair of 1992 Merc 175s and I had the exact same symptons, creaking or poping noise, when tilting the starboard engine up or down. The problem turned out to be caused by the fact that the hinge tube or pin was not getting lubricated. On the starboard engine the grease zerk is hinden from view and easy access by the hydraulic steering ram. By use of mirrors, I looked at the Zerk and could see years of grease on the outside of the zerk. I cleaned the grease off, and with difficulty, replace the zerk with one I could easily grease with my grease gun. Once I pumped in a good supply of marine grease, I ran the engine up and down several times and thankfully the problem was solved.