Random “Clunk” while moving in forward gear

[StratosOwner94]

Hello guys, so I have a 1989 Johnson 110hp VRO and it’s been running well and pushing my boat around the lakes as it should. However today it began “talking back” we’ll say, I noticed while on plain headed across the lake a loud CLUNK almost like I had hit something underwater. It made me look back and slow down but the motor seemed fine so I continued on to my fishing spot. After taking off to change spots it did it again....and then again the next time....and again after that. It would only do it once or twice after each startup and it was never at the same time, the only similarity is that it was generally when I was approaching WOT.

I'm fairly new to outboard motors so I don’t really know what to think, although I’m assuming it’s lower unit related...any help is GREATLY appreciated!!

 

[jimmbo]

Sounds like the Clutch Dog and Gears are worn and need replacing. Happens with age, but is accelerated by 'easing it in to gear' shifting.

 

[boobie]

Agree with the above but when you fix it be sure to check all your shift linkage for being tight and not worn.

 

[racerone]

Check shift rod height.-------Search on this site for more information.

 

[StratosOwner94]

Thanks for the responses guys! So what am I looking at for repair cost? And how much longer will that lower unit function like this? Are these the final warning signs?

 

[racerone]

If you do not investigate these warning signs the lower unit may go " booom ".------As it is , it may require simple adjustment.------It may already need a new gear set and clutch dog at about $1000 if done at a shop.

 

[glust]

I had the same problem, due mainly to a mis adjusted shift rod height. The parts are a little pricey but if you haven't torn up the forward and reverse gears too bad you might be able to get by with a new clutch dog. I actually found a good used set on ebay that have worked fine. If you don't have the shift rod or cable adjusted correctly though, you will tear out a new set just as fast as you tore out the old. It's not that hard of a job to do yourself

 

[StratosOwner94]

Ok thanks guys! I’m going to speak to my local boat mechanic and then go from there, I appreciate the help!

 

[glust]

I realize your motor is different and parts vary, but I found a new shift dog for my unit on ebay for $57.00. A big C clip to take out and all the parts come out of the lower. Not that big of a deal.

 

[racerone]

On this 110 HP V-4 you would have to take the driveshaft out on order to remove the propshaft and gears to swap out a clutch dog.

 

[StratosOwner94]

racerone is it a difficult job? Or would repairing it be a doable job oh my own? I’m mechanically inclines I just don’t know a lot about outboard motors.

 

[F_R]

Every time it goes clunk, it is damaging the parts a bit more. Mechanically inclined means different things to different folks. I know an aircraft mechanic that I wonder a bit about.

 

[racerone]

It is something like baking a cake.----You just need to follow instructions !!-----Not hard to do.-----If you need to replace pinion / forward gear set , you might want to get a shop to do the shim calculation.