Engine grinds when shifting....

[riverrat66]

I've got a 2005 Mercury 150 hp Saltwater outboard, serial number 1B043835. When I shift from neutral into foward or reverse I get a terrible grinding noise. It's like a car trying to shift gears without pushing the clutch in. I can't imagine that it's any good for the engine but what do I do to fix it?

I'm new to the boating scene and don't know anything about outboards. Is the problem likely to be in the motor or shifter control?

I don't want to use the boat while it continues to make that grinding noise for fear of doing serious damage.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
riverrat66

 

[56 rude]

Re: Engine grinds when shifting....

first things first.are you gently shifting into gear?dont!!!! firmly shift into gear by babying it you will make it grind they need to be firmly shifted that doesnt mean ram it over it means firmly but safely .

 

[riverrat66]

Re: Engine grinds when shifting....

Thanks for the reply. As soon as I finish dinner I'll run over to the marina (10 minutes away) and do exactly what you suggest and let you know the outcome.

Thanks again.

Respectfully,

riverrat66

 

[riverrat66]

Re: Engine grinds when shifting....

I tried shifting the engine as 56rude suggested and it's much better. It has a very slight clunk when I "firmly" shift but the grinding is gone.

Thanks for your help.

riverrat66

 

[verado7]

Re: Engine grinds when shifting....

perfect - slight clunk is normal

 

[hibbert6]

Re: Engine grinds when shifting....

I have a 30 yr old Merc 650. It grinds terribly going from neutral into forward or reverse. I made it worse, I'm sure, by shifting gently for too many seasons. It also makes the boat difficult to maneuver at slow speeds, as when docking.

So how do I fix it? Is this something that an average garage mechanic (me) can repair? If not, any idea what it would cost to have repaired?

Dave