lower unit noise

jtolpa

Recruit
Joined
Apr 24, 2010
Messages
2
I have a 1992 Bayliner with a 4.3L Mercruiser I/O. I just bought it this winter. It starts fine. When I put the throttle forward and in reverse, you can hear it go into gear (with a grinding noise then a clunking noise) It this normal? Should there be any noise at all? Once it is engaged, it runs fine Thank you.
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: lower unit noise

you can hear it go into gear (with a grinding noise then a clunking noise) It this normal?
you may be shifting to slow. if ya go slow you'll hear the gears trying to mesh, one tooth at a time. like a clunking and grinding noise. this is not desirable. you want to shift it snappy like. on mine, i know after using it a bunch where the shift takes place for where the shift handle is at. when i get close to that point, i move it fwd. (or backward) briskly to make the shift. it usually just goes clunk into gear..
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,117
Re: lower unit noise

Ayuh,... Shift it Briskly, both Into, or Out of gear...
There should be a single "Clunk" going Into gear,+ the motor should Stumble coming Out of gear...
 

bigskiohio

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 3, 2008
Messages
882
Re: lower unit noise

i shift slow sometimes and it will do the same you just have to be brisk although if i dont think while i am shifting i will lazily shift it.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: lower unit noise

Dog clutches have 2 states, IN and OUT. Shift into and out of gear quickly. That grinding noise is the sound of dollars being shaved off the leading edges of the dog clutch and gears.

You should be hearing just a heavy 'clunk' as you go in to gear.

Chris....
 
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