Connecting kicker to main steering

[Comoxsam]

Hi,

I just connected my kicker to the main engine with one of those threaded rods with the ball and socket type quick disconnects. I believe the brand name was Panther.

Anyhow on the first run I can't believe how loud this thing is. My 5hp yamaha kicker is a 2 stroke and at low idle it does have some vibration but nothing crazy. The interconnecting rod and those ball sockets are just making the worst metallic buzzing and racket.

I can't imagine even this thing working on the smoothest running engine. The connections are just too loose. It is going to buzz.

So did I buy the wrong thing? Do the balls just need some grease or something?

Do more expensive units have some sort of dampening system to take out the vibrations?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Sam

 

[SNye45]

Re: Connecting kicker to main steering

I have the same kind of quick connect connecting rod with my engines. I have a Suzuki 115hp EFI 4 stroke as my main, and a Suzuki 9.9 4 stroke as the kicker.

I see a little vibration when it is connected, but not enough to worry about, nor does not add any noise to what I hear already. It may be that 2 strokes vibrates a lot more than a similar powered 4 stroke.

I really like the quick connect feature.

 

[dbkerley]

Re: Connecting kicker to main steering

Try adding a snubber. Some form of bungee maybe?

 

[duped]

Re: Connecting kicker to main steering

A lot more expensive, but my ez steer set up was dead silent. Also automatically adjusts for trim angle, which others dont.

 

[BF]

Re: Connecting kicker to main steering

if it's a metal ball in a metal socket, how about putting a piece of that blue disposable shop towel stuff (sort of like a "J-cloth") over the ball before you slip the socket part on (?). Maybe it'd provide enough cushion to kill the buzz, but still allow it to fit together? Or maybe a couple wraps of teflon tape around the balls (?)

rattles and creaks drive me crazy... I'd definitely be doing some bodging to stop it.