Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

[SilverRsx]

I wonder if these issues are even related. I have a 1992 Bayliner 1950 with the 3.0 Mercruiser engine.

Just recently, my engine sounds much louder and dryer than before. After inspecting, I found that a small piece is missing from my engine. I don't recall that hole being empty the way it is now (I have no idea what this piece is nor do I know what it look like). Could anyone please look at my pictures and tell me what it is so I can repair it?

Regarding the dryer louder engine noise, I checked the oil and it is still good. Engine still runs fine and starts right up like she always does, but it definitely doesn't sounds good...Any ideas on what I should inspect next? Change the gear oil? I need to get back out on the water, it is salmon season!!!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

You lost your plastic plug that covers the access hole to remove/adjust your trim tab.

No harm without it, but it sure looks funny!

Happy boating!

 

[thumpar]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

When I got my boat it didn't have one and I didn't know there was a plug until recently. The plug is not for sealing just cosmetics.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

Regarding the dryer louder engine noise,

Ayuh,... Is the exhaust Bellows ripped,..??

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

On the "dryer" engine noise you're going to need to be a bit more specific. I've heard engine noises described using a lot of different words, but "dryer" is a new one!

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

I crammed a rubber cork in the hole where you are missing the plug. The void inside is full of water all the time anyhow. It mostly cosmetic as already stated, but I ran for years in the murky Mississippi with no plug and I noticed alot of sand and crap in the void where the front lower starboard drain hole is.When your sitting beached, IMHO not having that hole plugged may allow a little bit more silt and crap to get inside the void, but only a little.
As far as sounding... dryer... do you still have good water flow? No overheat issues? Check exhaust bellows as Bond-o said and make sure your impeller is pumping a good supply of water.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

Yup, that missing cap is pretty much for look only. I would be looking at the exhaust bellows, and then checking for any exhaust leaks inside the boat around the engine itself.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

That cap just allows you acess to the trim tab mounted beneath & through there.

Do you have a manual for your engine & drive? Not the Solec booty cusion either..lol

 

[Don S]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

Being a Gen II drive, the exhaust bellows probably came off the bellhousing. It will sound louder because when on plane, the exhaust will not be coming out of the prop which is under water.

 

[SilverRsx]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

Thank you for the replies everyone. I will find a replacement plug. At least this doesn't concern me anymore.

Regarding the noise, I brought my boat out fishing today, and was able to compare with another similar boat with a Mercruiser 3.0 motor. On my friend?s boat, when in neutral, it was very quiet. You can only hear the bubbling gurgling sound coming from the area around the propeller (it was in neutral). I recall that mine was like that too before. I will check into the bellow issue, but just wanted to add that the noise is consistent. I hear it even with the earmuff on land or neutral in water, it doesn't have to be on plane. I know this is broad; it will be hard to pinpoint the problem...

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Something fell off my boat and my engine sound much dryer than before

Thank you for the replies everyone. I will find a replacement plug. At least this doesn't concern me anymore.

Regarding the noise, I brought my boat out fishing today, and was able to compare with another similar boat with a Mercruiser 3.0 motor. On my friend?s boat, when in neutral, it was very quiet. You can only hear the bubbling gurgling sound coming from the area around the propeller (it was in neutral). I recall that mine was like that too before. I will check into the bellow issue, but just wanted to add that the noise is consistent. I hear it even with the earmuff on land or neutral in water, it doesn't have to be on plane. I know this is broad; it will be hard to pinpoint the problem...

Check the exhaust bellows!! Seriously, you can lay underneathe the outdrive when the boat is on the trailer and see if the exhaust bellows tore apart in less than a minute. It won't hurt anything, but it's the most likely cause of the increased noise.