Noise from front of engine

B Rad G

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
44
1994 Merc 5.7. There is a clacking noise that comes from the front of the engine at high rpms. Mainly when you gun it out of the hole and if you're running above 3800 rpm. Cruising at 3200 or so there is no noise. Seems to not happen as much after you've run for awhile. This is not constant. Sometimes at higher rpm it doesn't do it at all. Clacking is not rythmic, totally random. It sounds like it's coming from the very front of the engine, bit I can't isolate exactly where. Water pump, timing chain, I can't tell. There is never any loss of power and will run all day. Never overheats. Runs perfect. And like I said, sometimes it never makes the noise. Just wanting to maybe get an idea or maybe someone else has dealt with this. Thanks in advance.
 

B Rad G

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
44
Maybe. It sounds like it's harder materials hitting, but I'll check my belts out. Thanks, Chris.
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
6,819
Take the belts off and run it a short amount of time. If it’s still there it’s likely in the chain.if the noise goes away start looking at accesories and circulation pump
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
6,819
Do you have a mechanical fuel pump? I could see that making noise if the arm was worn return spring is weak or water on pushrod
 

B Rad G

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
44
I do have a mechanical pump. I've never had a problem with it. I'll put that on the list. Thanks Scott
 

B Rad G

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
44
I tried to reproduce it in the yard. I ran it up around 1500-1800 to see if I could reproduce it. Didn't want to keep it much higher than that. The only thing that made noise was the exhaust flappers. I know they've never been replaced and have worn the rubber off. When you're standing in front of the engine ,it does sound like the noise is right in front of you. My question is, could they be loud enough to hear with the boat under way? I wouldn't think so, but they are pretty noisy in the driveway. Other than that, it was about as smooth as it gets. No other noise. If I can't reproduce it, I'll have to remove my back bench and run it up to speed on the water and take a listen. Thoughts? Thanks
 
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