Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

[hatetobewrong]

'99 Bayliner 1950 CL 3.0L/Alpha1-genII drive. There has always been a small clunk when ehgaging the drive, but last time out it was more pronounced. Idle doesn't seem high and I recently changed gear oil and replaced the gimble bearing - ujoints looked and felt smooth. Any help for this newbie would be appreciated.<br />Thanks<br />Matt

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Idle may not "Seem" high, but if it's over 750rpm, then that is your problem. The engine should idle between 650 and 700 rpm.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Is your propnut tight? A lot of people put those on fairly loose. It should be tight.

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Thanks Don and Willy-<br /><br />I can't say I know what it is idling but I do know after the gimble bearing was replaced the drive really freed up. Could the rough gimble been holding the idle down prior to the change, and now be running higher?<br /><br />I have never had the prop off, but am courious how that might effect the noise im hearing. seams to be the noise of the gears engaging hard.<br />What effect would the prop have?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Matt<br /><br /><br />Thanks<br />Matt

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

the gears never engage or disengage, just a mechaical slam shift clutch. it should give a clunk not a chatter when shifed. if you detest the clunk next time go with volvo

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

rodbolt-<br />Don't neccisarily detest, just noticed a difference from my last time out. Being a marine tech can you shed any light on my previous post? All new to me - How is the volvo different?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Matt

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

The Volvo drives do not have the dog type clutch in the lower units like the OMC and Mercruiser Alpha drives do. They have a cone clutch that slips quietly into either the forward or reverse gear and disengages just as easily as it engages.<br />This also eliminates all the shift interrupt switches and extra cables and associated equipemnent needed to make the OMC and Merc Alphas come out of gear.<br />The raw water pumps are located on the engine in Volvos, no more pulling the drive apart to replace the impeller every couple of years.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Don. Is there a, or several reasons why the Alpha drive water pump can not be bypassed by a raw water pump and filter on the main engine?

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

cyclops2, that would be a perfect question for a new thread, instead of hijacking Matt's thread about clunking gears.

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Right on as usuall Don. RPMs are running 850-900 at forward idle.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Matt

 

[baja power]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Bravo drives Don't clunk into gear, Nor do TRS or Speedmaster drives...

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Bravo drives Don't clunk into gear, Nor do TRS or Speedmaster drives...<br />

So, Baja, what does that have to do with AZMatt's post? He has neither, he has an Alpha drive.<br />Are you suggesting he change engines and drives to get an old TRS or Speedmaster so it won't clunk if the rpm is too high? Or maybe repower with a bigger engine so he can get a Bravo?<br />Even with those systems, to high an idle, and they will clunk...... Trust me.

 

[baja power]

Re: Clunk when engaging forward and reverse

Originally posted by Don S:<br />

Bravo drives Don't clunk into gear, Nor do TRS or Speedmaster drives...<br />

So, Baja, what does that have to do with AZMatt's post? He has neither, he has an Alpha drive.<br />Are you suggesting he change engines and drives to get an old TRS or Speedmaster so it won't clunk if the rpm is too high? Or maybe repower with a bigger engine so he can get a Bravo?<br />Even with those systems, to high an idle, and they will clunk...... Trust me.

I was just pointing this out to others who might be reading this post with these drives.. the above listed drives will not clunk at a Normal idle. so if one has a drive as listed above and it clunks. you have a problem.. <br /><br />BTW.. My Dock neighbor's 38' Cigarette has bulldog 540's and speedmaster V drives. engines idle at 1500 and no clunk at all. gotta love Velvet drive trannies