should lower unit gears clunk when shifting from forward to reverse?

[dave buckner]

checked out a '79 cobia sportster today with omc 350. bottom lower unit is supposed to be rebuilt but there was a gear meshing sound when boat went from forward to reverse. (this was done out of water, on trailer) what should i think of this? is it normal or is he full of b.s. and lower unit is shot? thanks for your input! dave

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: should lower unit gears clunk when shifting from forward to reverse?

My Omc engine is much smaller then yours but the outdrives are very similar save for the gear ratio of the drive. My drive does give some gear clatter while changing form idle to forward or from idle to reverse. The noise is louder on the trailer but I can still hear it in the water.<br /><br />NEVER SHIFT directly from forward to reverse with out a breif pause in neutral.<br /><br />I have also heard this noise come out of merc's and volvo's at the dock and at marinas.<br />If it is too loud or it lasts more then 1-3 seconds then there may be a problem. If it stalls the motor when you shift then there could be more than one problem.<br /><br />If you are looking at buying this boat or any other, make sure you get an in water test too.

 

[DJ]

Re: should lower unit gears clunk when shifting from forward to reverse?

Daave,<br /><br />Yes they do clunk. ALWAYS shift an I/O or outboard from nuetral to reverse or forward swiftly. DO NOT ease the gearshift lever into one gear or another. If you do that, you will grind the tabs off of the shift dog clutches.

 

[Rex]

Re: should lower unit gears clunk when shifting from forward to reverse?

DJOHNS19 <br />IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY THERE WHAT THEY CALL<br />A DOG IN THE LOWER UNIT.<br />SO JUST PUT IN GEAR AND DO NOT TRY TO DO <br />IT SLOW.<br />REX A.

 

[dave buckner]

Re: should lower unit gears clunk when shifting from forward to reverse?

thanks for the help guys, that makes me feel better about the boat. i will definately it in the water before i buy.