Ticking noise Force 90 hp 1991. Is this normal?

[BarryK3]

Hi all,

My motor is making a ticking noise at idle. See attached video file link.

It is running fine. I'm not sure if this is a normal noise or not. With the cowl off, it is loudest at the back of the engine, near the cylinders. Could this be compression leak or exhaust leak?

Thanks,
Barry

 

[jerryjerry05]

Sounds normal to me.

You can try: remove the cowl, spray starting fluid around the intake side of the motor.
Intake side: base of the carbs, back to the port covers under the fuel pump and packs and coils.
If it makes any difference? then it's sucking air and that could be the ticking you hear??


Run the motor after dark and see if the plug wires are shorting out??

 

[BarryK3]

Thanks Jerry, I will check it out.

Barry

 

[jerryjerry05]

I posted this comment on another's post, there might be something here that can help??
He's having a backfire problem.


You need to take the carbs apart and see what's in there?​

They have the size marked on the jet.​

Your motor is almost 30 years old.​

You sure it was bought and sold in the west?​

High speed cough: could be it's sucking air somewhere??​

Get it running and spray starting fluid around the base of the carbs and the intake side(port covers, fuel pump) of the motor.​

If it makes any difference in the way it runs?? then it's sucking air.​

ONE!!!!! little cough, backfire, or stutter can blow the port cover gaskets.​

Try this: get the motor up to operating temp.​

The run it at high speed and then shut the motor off.​

Don't bring the throttle back or shift to N just turn the key off.​

Then pull the plugs and check the condition.​

Post pics. ​

 

[BarryK3]

Thanks Jerry!

 

[BarryK3]

I found the source of the noise: a blown out gasket from the intake port, bottom cylinder. I made a new gasket and dressed it with Permatex #2 (gasoline resistant). I had trouble re-torquing the front bolts and I found that they were a bit too long, so the plate didn't seat fully. I put a few stainless steel washers under the bolt heads and torqued them properly. They are probably not the original bolts.

I also saw a bit of a fuel leak from the fuel re-circulation cover, so I dressed the gaskets and reinstalled. I also noticed that the 2 gaskets had been installed incorrectly: the front and back gaskets were installed in reverse!! Previous owner's mechanic had rebuilt engine. So, I doubt that the recirc system was functioning at all.

I ran the boat at the harbor yesterday and no more ticking, no more fuel slick near the engine at the dock. Much less oily residue under the power head and in the engine well.

Thanks for the help!

 

[jerryjerry05]

YEA!!!!!
Glad to help.