Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

[homealone]

1996 Maxum Alpha I. I built a high-performance V8 to replace the 4.3 liter V6 that was in the boat (Busted block and heads). I just put it in the water. Runs great, and scoots! But, when in gear I hear a clicking sound from the outdrive (I suppose). I don't hear it in neutral but in forward and reverse I hear it. This boat has low hours on it. I feel that possibly the shift linkage is out of adjustment but I didn't touch that other than change the way it mounts. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[homealone]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Now you'd think this would be a simple question for all of you hot-shots! I'll figure it out. Thanks for nothing!

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

The lower shift cable is the suspect in your case, they tend to be a common item for alpha's, since you just swapped for v6 to v8, did you change drive also? I believe there are different gear ratios for v6 to v8 like 1:64 v6 and 1:50 v8, also did you retain the shift interrupt switch, this quickly stumbles the motor so you can achieve a smooth complete shift, you will know if it works when comming back to neutral,the motor will cut out for short second, and it should be easy to pull out of gear, If all else is good then replace that lower shift cable, thats the short cable that goes from the shift bracket to the drive, but that may require a mercury tool, I myself like to do all my engine work, but I have learned when it comes to most outdrive work a perfer to hire it out.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Good job hot shot.

 

[homealone]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Northern Eclipse,<br />I decided to check here one more time. Thanks for your answer. I'm like you in that I'm an engine guy, not outdrive. I feel it's something simple though. I'll check out the lower shift cable. The switch is fine. It shifts good and smooth. Runs great but puttering along I can hear the clicking. The gear ratio is different but not bad. The 4.3 has a 1.64:1 where the 5.7 has a 1.5:1. It scoots, maybe in the fall I'll change the ratio. It sounds like maybe it's not fully in gear. I'll adjust the linkage too, plus my wife's bringing the book. I'll figure it out, I always do. I didn't think anyone was going to reply because all the other posts had replys. Looks like I upset somebody... Thanks again!

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Did you align the engine properly?And lube the driveshaft going into the coupler? How did the U-Joints feel? How did the Gimbal Bearing feel?If you shift into fwd statically and go to the prop it should lock up when you turn the prop counter clockwise.Then try rev with the same test, it should lock up when turned clockwise. If it skips then I would suspect shift adjustment. And about not responding quick enough for you.Your name is home alone so we figured we would make you feel in fact Home Alone

 

[Walt T]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Nah ya didnt upset anybody. It's Friday and were all half in the bag sittin around makin fun of the questions. Anyway the clicking is the dog clutches and cable adjustment may help.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Great way to get a helpful response Homealone. Two and a half hours on a friday nite and you have a snit because no one responds. I'd say you were pretty lucky to get any at all!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Knowone could fix my boat and I had to take it to a dealer, I think I will just quite Iboats!!! <br /><br />Naw, ya all would miss me too much. I hate to see gr own men cry!

 

[Walt T]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Tears of joy

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive clicking in gear

Hey he must be called homealone for a reason ( just Chitten ya) anyway let us know how you make out, let up on homealone a bit, he just put bigger and badder power in his boat, I think he just had the first run and is a bit pumped about the new performance ........I'm just p$$$ed because my boat is still parked for the winter and homealone is already been waterbourne....what ya running that nasty 5.7 in?