Engine tapping

[scpf1]

Hello, I have a 2009 Mercruiser 5.0 MPI with 12 hrs. I had the engine at idle and can hear a light tap/tick. I opened the compartment and could hear it much better. I put my ear to it and can say it is coming from the valve covers. Before I take it to my dealer and become aggravated, can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Engine tapping

Normal?? for a motor that has a problem with the valve train, yes its normal.
For one with 12 hours,,, NO Not so much.
Take it back.......

may be a dumb question but,,,is there oil in it??

 

[scpf1]

Re: Engine tapping

Thanks for the reply. I check the oil everytime out. The level has always been good. I guess I will be taking it back. I have this funny feeling the dealer is going to say this is normal. Thanks again.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Engine tapping

Welcome. We can't hear the noise.

It's an internal combustion engine so it will make noise. There's lots of moving parts. There's even a few under the valve covers.

If you're not sure, take it to the dealer.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Engine tapping

Well its not normal.
If you can hear a tapping in the valve cover there is a loose rocker. What caused it, well it could be a bad nut in the rocker or a bad lifter, bent push rod flat cam or a host of other things.
Either way its broken and needs to be fixed...

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Engine tapping

I have something for you.

If they say its normal,
Ask them to prove it by showing the exact same noise in a different new boat and a used one with 100 plus hours on it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Engine tapping

That motor is pretty new to have a stuck hydraulic lifter but that could be it. Maybe add some upper cylinder solvent and take the boat out and run it wide open throttle for a while. Otherwise it wouldn't be a real tough job to replace that lifter, especially if it's under warranty. Good Luck!

 

[scpf1]

Re: Engine tapping

Thanks. I will ask to hear another engine as well if they give me any bs. Thanks for the good advise.

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine tapping

Don't panic, let the dealer listen to it and tell you what his opinion is.
Most dealers will just contact their local reps and get it taken care of.
Start by taking the boat to them and telling them what you hear. Then go from there. Let us know what happens.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Engine tapping

The other thing to is that depending on what the dealer thinks it is, they may or may not have the authorization to "just go ahead and fix it". There is a process that goes on behind the scenes between the dealer and Mercruiser. You may have to wait a day or 2 for Mercruiser to decide what they want to do with it.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Engine tapping

Don't panic, let the dealer listen to it and tell you what his opinion is...

I agree. You know that fuel injectors in an MPI sound awfully "clicky", right?

 

[scpf1]

Re: Engine tapping

Yes, I thought about that as well (fuel injectors) Spent 10
minutes today with my ear to the engine. It seems like the sound is coming from valve cover area, both sides towards back of engine. Could possibly be from fuel injectors.

 

[tricone]

Re: Engine tapping

Possibly exhaust shutters

 

[scpf1]

Re: Engine tapping

Hello everyone,
It has been some time since I posted my engine problem, but wanted to update everyone for future reference. The ticking noise I was hearing from the valve cover area has been confirmed to be the injectors. The service tech did notice a low outdrive oil level and vibration that is not common. Turns out from what I have been told that an internal piece of hardware had backed itself out in the outdrive causing some damage. Mercruiser replaced the entire outdrive!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Engine tapping

Repaced the oudrive - WOW! Good to hear about the excellent customer service!

 

[chirs craft concept]

Re: Engine tapping

Good deal, you lucked out . I thought for sure it was a lifter
228 cc concept