Gear engagement on 1995 Merc. 135

[careywells]

How much racheting noise from the lower end gears is considered normal when engageing forward/reverse drive. I'm sure too much is a sign of worn gears but I just purcharsed this boat (1995 Larson)and it just seems to take a tad longer to engage the drives than what I'm used to. I have replaced low end oil, the old oil was a milky color. (is this a sign of water in the oil?) Thanks for any input.

 

[NICK JONES]

Re: Gear engagement on 1995 Merc. 135

THE FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS ARE IN MESH ALL THE TIME WITH THE GEAR ON THE VERTICAL DRIVE SHAFT. THE SYSTEM USES A DOG CLUTCH TO SLIDE UP THE PROPELLER SHAFT AND ENGAGE THE DRIVE TO EITHER FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR. THE DOG CLUTCH WILL ALWAYS CLUNK FOR A SECOND OR SO AS A GEAR IS SELECTED. CHECK ENGINE TICKOVER SPEED IS NOT TOO HIGH AND ALSO GEARLINKAGES SET UP CORRECTLY. CHECK THE NEW GEARBOX OIL AFTER A FEW HOURS RUNNING IT SHOULDN'T BE EMULSIFIED WITH WATER. FAILING THIS IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS SOME WEAR ON THE DOG CLUTCH AND THAT IT'S NOT GOING IN GEAR QUITE AS QUICKLY AS IT USED TO.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Gear engagement on 1995 Merc. 135

carey,<br /><br />The milky color of the gear lube mean that water IS getting into the gearcase.<br /><br />This can cause hard shifting and make the gearcase noisier than normal.<br /><br />This needs immediate attention!<br /><br />Kenny

 

[Walker]

Re: Gear engagement on 1995 Merc. 135

Don't baby it when shifting. Put it in gear with authority.

 

[jdkzrt]

Re: Gear engagement on 1995 Merc. 135

Woodman above is also correct when he says to check the idle rpm (EVEN THOUGH I CAN'T STAND HIS SHOUTING). Proper idle speed is especially important if you are running a stainless prop.