Shift Linkage Adjustment Needed?

[njm_T160]

Greetings,

1998 Merc\Force OE339847
I have noticed that when the motor is off and in neutral that when I hand spin the prop it makes a slight clunking noise (kinda similar to a noise made when spinning a rachet wrench backwards?!) the prop spins freely both ways and there doesn't seem to be any play in the bearings, but I was wondering if this is normal. I have checked other motors at the marina but none make that noise. I tried adjusting the shift rod coupler at the middle leg but to no avail. It seems that when in neutral, the shaft rod needs to go down about 1\4" to spin quietly. Any suggestions on how best to adjust the linkage to make for silent spinning in neutral would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
-Nels

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Shift Linkage Adjustment Needed?

You have a Merc lower unit and Mercury's are known to make rattling noises in neutral due to clutch dogs. The dogs are tapered and tend to ride over each other in neutral. Some do--very annoying to some people-- some don't. It is the luck of the draw.

If the engine goes into forward and reverse, does not skip out of gear when running and will return to neutral---Leave it alone. Don't fix something that aint broke.

 

[njm_T160]

Re: Shift Linkage Adjustment Needed?

You have a Merc lower unit and Mercury's are known to make rattling noises in neutral due to clutch dogs. The dogs are tapered and tend to ride over each other in neutral. Some do--very annoying to some people-- some don't. It is the luck of the draw.

If the engine goes into forward and reverse, does not skip out of gear when running and will return to neutral---Leave it alone. Don't fix something that aint broke.

Whew... Thanks for the explanation Frank, good stuff to know! One less thing to fret over...
-Nels