noise in sterndrive

S

seulb

Cadet
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
17
I have a 1971 120hp sterndrive that when I let off the throttle make a ratchiting noise. I haven't replaced the gimbal bearing but am planing on replacing it this spring. What could cause this noise? Thanks
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,357
Re: noise in sterndrive

Ayuh,... Donno...

It could be as simple as the motor slowing down quicker than the boat....

The clutchdogs in the drive will ratch if the motor isn't turning as fast as the prop....
 
S

seulb

Cadet
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
17
Re: noise in sterndrive

The sterndrive is a Mercreiser and it's in a 1971 larson tri-hull
 
chiefalen

chiefalen

Captain
Joined
May 18, 2008
Messages
3,598
Re: noise in sterndrive

Thats pre alpha right ?

When was the u-joints and gimbal bearing even looked at last ?
 
K

KJSmitty

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 9, 2008
Messages
179
Re: noise in sterndrive

Bond-o said:
Ayuh,... Donno...

It could be as simple as the motor slowing down quicker than the boat....

The clutchdogs in the drive will ratch if the motor isn't turning as fast as the prop....
Click to expand...


Yep,
I remember our first boat, early 70 vintage with a 120HP Merc I/O as well. Every once and a while it would dye if you pulled the throttle back quickly after a skier fell etc.. I had no idea what a "clutchdog" was back then yet it definitely made the "ratchet noise" while the boat coasted to a stop. :D

Not saying that is definitively the OP's issue, but very likely etc..

Cheers
 
S

seulb

Cadet
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
17
Re: noise in sterndrive

I don't know when the gimble bearing or U-joint had been looked at last I just bought the boat last June. But have no fear it won't go back in the water untill I inspect them this spring. I was just hopeing that I didn't have something in the lower unit going out. But from what I'm reading on the forum with everyones help is that it probably is the clutch dog.
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: noise in sterndrive

The gimbal bearing or ujoints are not going to make a ratcheting noise. Next time you run it, when you pull the throttle back, go to neutral at the same time and see if it still does it. Of, when it starts to ratchet, go to neutral and see if it stops ratcheting.
 
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