Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

[gman2560]

I have a 1978 Winner bowrider with the 165 (250 cid) Merc. Whenever I start it and then increase rpm, there is a squealing in the rear of the engine. It sounds very similar to a squealing alternator on a car. It disppears once we get going, guessing above 1800-2000 rpm. The engine purrs after that and runs great. Once the noise disappears, its gone until you stop the engine, restart it and then rev up again.<br /><br />Aby ideas would be much appreciated

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

Either bad gimbal bearing or ujoints. Pull the drive and check both. May have water in the bellows.

 

[gman2560]

Re: Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

If the engine compartment was flooded could this be the cause? ie water in the bellows? Also if this is the case would the gimbal/ujoints still be in question? In other words if there is water in the bellows and that is cleared, do I still have an issue?

 

[DJ]

Re: Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

Like DJ said.... 4 yes's.<br />You also need to check the gear lube, my guess is that it's milky (Water causes that also) because the front seal was damaged when the yoke got rusty and ground down the seal allowing water into the drive.<br />You've got a lot of very expensive problems going on. Get them fixed right or things will get worse when you loose the outdrive.

 

[gman2560]

Re: Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

Thank you for the advice. I checked the gear lube and there seems to be no water. in other words not milky. The lube is very clean and intact. The compartment was flooded weekend before last, as a the unfortunate result of a mistake of mine. I plan to pull the out drive and take a look and then go from there. Can you offer an idea of what is reasonable to pay to have this repaired? I dont want one mistake to compound another.

 

[crazyray]

Re: Merc 165 L6 Strange Noise

sure its not just a loose belt?