odd noise question

[Dogdave]

I just installed a new merc 260 engine and alpha 1gimball housing and new drive. I am new to boats so this may be normal. I have good alignment to the drive coupler . When the engine is idling I can hear a slight rattle sound from the coupler area, it does not change when I put the drive in gear. Could it be just a little slop in the splines ? I did notice that the inboard o ring of the drive shaft does not hit anything is that notmal?

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: odd noise question

It very well may just be your exhaust flappers. You hope. Its normal. If you bump your RPMs up a little does the noise go away?

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: odd noise question

I recommend using a mechanics stethoscope to help narrow down the exact location of the noise. Does sound like exhaust shutters based on the limited info. "slop" in the splines is not good, not typical, nor is it expected in a "new" installation (let alone an old one).

 

[Dogdave]

Re: odd noise question

I was thinking it may be the flappers ( they are new) and at the bottom of the exhaust as I have the old 3 piece exhaust. The engine idles at 550 rpm if I throttle up to 1000 is does go away. I will dump it in the water today and go for a spin