Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

[stroker1]

1983 Merc 228, Alpha One.<br />Grumbling noise in the transom. U-Joints were replaced last year. The Noise stays the same whether the Outdrive is full turned, full trimmed or all the way down. I pulled the Drive, and the gimble feels good. It spins very easily, with no excess slop. The Bellows were dry, and well greased. Could this be an alignmnet problem? What else can I check? <br />Any thoughts?<br />Thanks

 

[bernieb]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

Make sure the two -o- rings are in place on the drive shaft at the gimble bearing.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

when u spin the bearing does it make a scraping sound? if it does it's shot, even though it spins freely.

 

[record hunter]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

I have had my engine out of alignmantand it never did that it will usually let you know by a vibration it is pretty easy to feel if you are one with your boat

 

[stroker1]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

Thanks for the replies<br />Heres the deal. Gimble looks and feels good. U Joints are New and look good. I put everything back together, and the vibration is still there. So I pulled the Drive Again, then I hooked a hose up to the water intake on the outdrive bellhousing. I started the engine without the drive connected. The Vibration is still there! So the problem is not in the drive train. <br />The engine is running smooth without missing. Exhaust sounds good. I stood on both risers at the same time, and it felt like my teeth were going to vibrate out of my head. You can really feel the vibration anywhere in the 24 foot boat. <br />Any ideas??

 

[llerrad]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

Is what about the flywheel? Spot welds could have let go and flywheel is out of balance. Why not try stethoscope to locate noise.

 

[stroker1]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

The FLywheel is ok.<br />Has anyone ever heard of engine mounts wearing out, or hardening up. I think the source of my problem is not the engine, but the mounts. The engine is running great, its just that I feel it running under my feet alot more than the last few years. Any ideas?

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

isn't that why you have to allways check the alignment?

 

[stroker1]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

I checked the Alignment and it is ok. <br />Now what?

 

[llerrad]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

I have the same problem right now, this is just after a rebuild of the Merc outdrive Alpha. Boat has just been pulled from the water will let you know what they find if I might be a lead. They do suspect the U-joints even though they are new. I only have a noise and vibration when in gear and under load like above 1000rpm.

 

[stroker1]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

The Vibration occurs without the Outdrive attached. Its not in the drivetrain.

 

[llerrad]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

My guys are now after the engine mounts don't know for sure. I think flywheel and coupling. Guess we will find out thousands later.

 

[stroker1]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

llerrad<br />What did you find out about your vibration problem?<br />Was it the mounts?<br />let me know<br />thanks

 

[llerrad]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

Well it got ugly and just got the beast back. Had to replace transom plate bell housing and gimble ring, thrust washer on bottom pivot wore into casting by 1/4" had wear on pinion bushings, coupler on engine worn this was major reason for vibration. The coupling looked good from the outside but engine alignment tool proved it to be bad. Engine mounts good but this is easy to check, if engine does not touque up when you rev the eng. then they are OK. I was able to feel vibration on the exhaust tubes that connect to the transom plate, again proving coupler out of alignment. This job required the engine to be pulled but in the end this was not a hard job much easier than a car.

 

[llerrad]

Re: Grumbling Vibration in the Transom?

Stroker did you find your vibration problem?