Gear issue with my Four Winns?

[KevOLikesBoating]

Hello...

I have a 92' Four Winns Freedom I/O with a 4.3 V6 OMC Cobra, I've replaced my lower shift cable in the past and had it adjusted when it wasn't "catching"

Here's my issue: When you put in gear and start moving slowly, the boat makes a loud "clunk clunk" sound every 4-5 seconds. This clunk sound doesn't go away until you get up to speed and start really moving.

My friends seem to think it's my lower unit giving out, I'm hoping for a cheap fix... and not my lower unit.

Ideas anyone? I will provide more info if you need it.. and respond quickly..

 

[metro3pilot]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

is the clunk clunk, the sound of it popping in and out of gear ?
how long since you have replaced the lower cable ?
when is the last time you pulled the drive and checked out the bellcrank ?

clunk clunk sounds if left untreated usually turn into a cha ching sound, fix before running again

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

Just because you had the cable replaced in the past doesn't mean it will hold the proper adjustment, which they don't. You should visit the Hastings site & go over the details, then adjust the cable. Get ready to pull the drive. When the lower unit does what you've described, it's usually the cable adjustment. Don't push your luck.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

You can try to give it more adjustment toward "forward" but that sounds like a sign that the dog clutches have rounded off and won't stay engaged.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

That "clunk clunk" sound is the dog clutches beating themselves to death.............and it doesn't take long...........

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

Better to fix it now..

 

[KevOLikesBoating]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

is the clunk clunk, the sound of it popping in and out of gear ?
how long since you have replaced the lower cable ?
when is the last time you pulled the drive and checked out the bellcrank ?

clunk clunk sounds if left untreated usually turn into a cha ching sound, fix before running again

I think the clunk sound is it popping in and out of gear.. yes. Like Limited-Time described.


My mechanic replaced the lower cable about 2-3 months ago, and had to get it adjusted about a month ago because it wasn't engaging at all.

I need to buy myself a book and check the adjustment myself.


Would you guys say it's hard to pull the drive and replace the dog clutches?

I'm mechanically inclined.. it just might take me all day.

 

[metro3pilot]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

Read the " Stuart Hastings " document for the adjustment procedure

it takes special tools to rebuild the lower, you may be better off to pick one up off of ebay

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Gear issue with my Four Winns?

Way back when OMC was in business, my boat was doing the exact same thing. OMC replaced the dog clutch gears under warranty. They were toast. You are going to need too many special tools to do this yourself...if you can even find the tools.