Engine coupler

[katohutt]

Can anyone tell me how I will know if the coupler thats on the engine side of the drive shaft is bad? I hear grinding on startup but then it quits. The shaft is turning. Could it be bearings or lubrication?

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Engine coupler

Can anyone tell me how I will know if the coupler thats on the engine side of the drive shaft is bad? I hear grinding on startup but then it quits. The shaft is turning. Could it be bearings or lubrication?

sounds more like the starter is grinding on the flywheel. what motor/outdrive?

 

[katohutt]

Re: Engine coupler

120 Mercruiser -Gm model- markings on the drive say 1978

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Engine coupler

If the grinding stops when you release the key from the start position............the starter/ring gear is where I'd be looking.

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Engine coupler

I've been in a boat with a bad coupler. It didn't make any noise, just wouldn't go anymore. Kind of like a spun hub.

 

[katohutt]

Re: Engine coupler

I just bought the boat and the previous owner said the drive coupler needed replacing. He said he got stranded in the water this year. When we got the boat we had a problem with the engine staying started when we put the boat in gear. After some good advice from you guys we found that the engine safety switch was engaging because of the plate slipping which we haven't secured yet. There seems to be a place where a screw or bolt is missing which I assume is why the boat left them. Other than the noise, the grinding doesn't seem to be affecting the motor but we haven't put her in the water yet. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine coupler

we found that the engine safety switch was engaging because of the plate slipping which we haven't secured yet.

Ayuh,.... What the 'ell does That mean,..??..??

When we got the boat we had a problem with the engine staying started when we put the boat in gear.

That's caused by a Bad lower shift Cable....

 

[katohutt]

Re: Engine coupler

There is a plate where the two cables come together. Attached to that is a switch. The manual says engine safety shutoff switch. I'm new to i/o's and am having to read the manual for all the terminology. Sorry

 

[katohutt]

Re: Engine coupler

If the lower shift cable is bad could that cause the problem that I'm referring to? When we adjust the cables, we can't get the roller on the engine cutoff switch to stay centered in the groove of the plate. You can adjust it so that either reverse or forward works but not both. Please help.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Engine coupler

There is a plate where the two cables come together. Attached to that is a switch. The manual says engine safety shutoff switch. I'm new to i/o's and am having to read the manual for all the terminology.

Ayuh,..... Who's Manual,....
You're describing the Shift Interupt Switch....
And,...
Yes,..
The Lower Shift Cable is the root Cause of the issues you're facing....

Go Here,+ you can find the Mercruiser Factory Manual for your motor,+ drive...
Just be forewarned,... Some of the files are Massive,+ take ForEver to download.....

 

[katohutt]

Re: Engine coupler

Thanks for the info and the manual.