Engine noise and Shift Interupt Concerns

[smiles16]

Finally got to test out the used Mercruiser 120 I dropped in the boat and am concerned about some engine noise I am hearing. Also, I know my shift cable is worn and needs replaced, but I am not sure the shift interrupt is working properly. I know the switch is good because I can push in the plunger and it kills the motor. I think there may be something going in with the linkage adjustment. I posted two videos on YouTube and have the links below. Could you guys share your thoughts on this? Is the noise normal engine noise or something to be concerned with? What about the linkage?


Thanks

https://youtu.be/03LgYVuZqQg

https://youtu.be/clQVFHARcco

 

[Bt Doctur]

sounds like a normal 4 cyl in the first video, the second seems like its not going into gear

 

[smiles16]

This is my first sterndrive, always been an outboard guy, didn't know if that was normal sounds. And it goes into forward just fine, but reverse has quite a bit of travel and clattering before it goes, kills the engine if shift fast. Don't want to tear up my freshly rebuilt outdrive.

 

[Fishermark]

Since you know the shift cable is worn and is needing to be replaced I would suggest replacing the cable and adjusting it according to the manual. Your problems my disappear. I too agree that the engine sounds perfectly normal in the first video.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Ditto what Mark, 'n BD says,...

 

[smiles16]

Ok cool thanks guys. And wow these engines are just noisy in nature I guess... shoulda had a V8 I suppose

 

[Scott06]

Maybe a little clacky but the 4 bangers are very reliable, had my 3.0 for 20 years beating the snot out of it every day. Skiing, tubing etc .

 

[thumpar]

My 120 put up with me. They are a good little motor. Once you get that cable fixed you should be good. You may want to have a look at the bellows since they are normally replaced at about the same times.

 

[smiles16]

Yes, being a new to me boat, I figure I might as well change it all while I'm back there. Bondo has convinced me in another thread to ditch my trim senders. I can tell by feel and RPM all the same. I am going to run it as is for the rest of the little season left and just be easy on her.

Thanks a lot for listening to that video guys, its a relief to know I don't have to pull that motor again.

 

[thumpar]

My 120 never even had a gauge and the trim switch wiring was worn out. I just cut the cables. You can feel it. They will start to porpoise when you get high and the feel is how I always did it. My current boat has them and I can only run full up on smooth water at high throttle or it will porpoise.