Outdrive noise when going into gear

[Critchy]

I decided to do my own maintenace finally this year. I have a Alpha 1 I/O Mercruiser. With the outdrive in the lowered position. When I put it into gear (either forward or reverse) it makes a very loud clank as it goes into gear. Once it is in gear and spinning the prop, if I take it out of gear and put it right back in while the prop is still spinning then there is no noise. I have always noticed a little bit of noise when putting it in gear while it is in the water. But I have never put it in gear while out of water. So is this loud clank normal? It doesn't sound normal. And yes I am flowing water through it as I am testing it. Now I do have a little bit of play in my prop (the prop slides in and out about 1/4"). Fluid level in the outdrive is good.
Thanks for any help.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Outdrive noise when going into gear

Some clunk is normal. Not sure how loud is accepted though. If you have a stainless steel prop it will be louder also.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Outdrive noise when going into gear

Sounds normal to me...

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Outdrive noise when going into gear

That 1/4 inch of end play is making your noise louder. When you shift into gear, the propshaft is shooting rearward and slamming into the bearing. I'd think about having that looked at if I were you. 1/4 endplay in the propshaft is excessive.

 

[Critchy]

Re: Outdrive noise when going into gear

I was incorrect, the play on the prop is about 1/16" maybe 1/8" at the most, is that amount of play normal. So you guys think the clunk noise is normal huh? By the way it is a stainless steel prop.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Outdrive noise when going into gear

With the clutch dog system it is perfectly normal. In fact, don't try and baby it into gear to try and avoid the "clunk" - a decisive, solid shift is what you want. The "clunk" means it is working!

 

[Critchy]

Re: Outdrive noise when going into gear

Cool thanks guys I appreciate the help.