rattle in outdrive

[brs517]

Hi, I have a 1986 Mercruiser 4 cyl, 2.97L, 140hp with an Alpha One outdrive.<br /><br />I've been idling it in the driveway, with ears on, and have noticed a fairly loud, constant "rattling" sound coming from the outdrive. I can't remember hearing this in the past. Would that be a normal sound from running it with ears? It is NOT in gear, just idling in neutral.<br /><br />I have not yet changed the gear lube for the year...doing that today.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Brian

 

[Paul Mariz]

Re: rattle in outdrive

Hi Brian dont sound to good <br />hopping you have some lube. It is not normal to ear loud noice<br />When you will dump you oil check first of all for metal redisual and also see wou much oil comes out of the drive and in what condition, if it is milky, water got in to it, after that you should haved checked by a mec.<br />rule number one you should do all oil changes every fall, doing so your engine and leg will be very happy, and your toy will last longer<br />(Nes Pas)<br /><br />PePere<br />Canada,Quebec

 

[jamesr1]

Re: rattle in outdrive

It may be the dog clutch not coming completely out of gear. Maybe a bad shift cable or poor adjustment. Is the sound coming from the lower gear case?

 

[brs517]

Re: rattle in outdrive

yeah, it sounds that way. And now that you mention it, I did have a couple odd situations while on the lake this year, where it wouldn't seem to go into gear properly. Seemed like a temporary problem that resolved itself, though.

 

[brs517]

Re: rattle in outdrive

by the way, what is a dog clutch?

 

[brs517]

Re: rattle in outdrive

I adjusted the shift cable, and now it does not rattle at slow idle. When I up the RPM a bit, the rattle does return. Definitely in the lower gear case.

 

[brs517]

Re: rattle in outdrive

also just drained the gear lube. Not milky at all and no metal fragments. Good! You guys think it sounds like just a shift cable adjustment issue?

 

[jamesr1]

Re: rattle in outdrive

From what I have learned on this site, it probably needs replaced. Does this rattle go away when it is in gear?

 

[searay3]

Re: rattle in outdrive

Make sure the cables are adjusted correctly. (Merc Manual). Changing fluid is a good thing. Not sure of the hours or of it's workload in it's life, but it could indicate excessive play in the driveline. Routine maintenance will probably cure your ills.