Weird noise from engine.

[stingraymax]

Well I got my engine running and brought it to the shop here to have it serviced. When I went to pick up the engine the mechanic told me that there was a "ticking" noise coming from the engine.<br />But he starts right up, idles very smooth and compression is good.<br />He couldn't find where it came from without digging into the engine. But told me it came out of the top of the engine ??<br /><br />I hooked up the engine to my boat and started it to hear the noise and when you listen very closely you can hear a strange noise but you realy have to listen closely.<br /><br />I haven't had a chance to run it on the water and see what happens if the engine comes under load.<br />Is there somebody that might know what I should look for or tell the mechanic to look at ?? ( here they charge $47 per hour to work on outboards so....)<br /><br />It is a 99 johnson 90Hp.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Stef

 

[sikpnter]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

How good is compression? What are numbers? Reason is, is that bad piston rings can make a ticking noise.

 

[stingraymax]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

Well I don't have the numbers but the mechanic said that compression on all 4 was good and within the 10% of each other.<br /><br />I 'll try to get the numbers on here if I find a compression meter.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

A ticking noise can be anything from a slightly worn wrist pin to a chipped gear tooth in the lower unit..... impossible to pinpoint.<br /><br />Note that a noise in the lower unit will travel up the driveshaft and appear to be coming from the powerhead.<br /><br />Purchase a mechanics stethoscope at any reliable auto parts store which may help in determining the area of the noise (works for me).

 

[stingraymax]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

Well I don't think it is something in the lower unit . I just listend again and it sounds realy like two metal parts hitting and when I revv up the engine ( without shifting) so does the frequency of the hitting sound. And if I would have to give a guess I would say the sound comes from the upper half of the powerhead and is louder around the starter.

 

[rwcreigh1]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

are they the correct spark plugs? they could be the wrong ones and be a little long and hit the pistons.

 

[stingraymax]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

Well I installed Premium Stainless Steel Marine Spark Plugs from champion 5939 an Equivalent for the QL78YC. I will take them out and see If I can see some damage to the electrode ...

 

[stingraymax]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

I just checked the pugs and they look ok and there is no damage on top of the pistons so..<br /><br />I just heard that when the vro has air in it ( or no oil is getting into it) that makes a clicking noise. Can somebody tell me if this is true and also if yes does it have an rpm correlation.<br /><br />I primed the oil bulb two days ago and when I checked today it was still hard. Is this normal ?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Stef

 

[stingraymax]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

Well they will open the engine and see what is causing the ticking noise inside the engine.<br /><br />But now that the engine is open would it be wise to replace all the bearings and piston rings inside ? Or should I leave it like it is and just fix what is broken or worn ??<br /><br />Thanks <br />Stef

 

[Solittle]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

YOur shop should be able to measure the critical parts and determine if they are within factory specifications. I would replace only what is needed.

 

[stingraymax]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

Well we found the reason for the "ticking" noise.<br />One of the pistons was seized, my mechanic told me that this was because the previous owner used cheap oil. There was alot of oil residue on the sealings too, all due to cheap/ bad oil.<br />Luckely the cilinder won't have to be bored.<br /><br />Here is a pic of the bad piston.<br />

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Weird noise from engine.

what you described sounds kinda like a pistonthat has seized due to bad or cheap oil. i am a true professional and you should listen to me..<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br /> <br /><br />.<br /><br />.<br />.<br /><br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.sorry couldnt resist