PapaMaC
06-05-2008, 10:33 AM
I decided to take my check out for a cruise in the everglades yesterday so I changed the lower unit oil, greased up the axles, warmed up the engine and topped off the tank. After a 40min drive to the ramp I got her wet, started her up and off I went.
About 2 miles later I start to here a slapping sound (not a knock). I throw it into neutral and it stopped. I rev up the engine without gear and it sounds fine, but when I put it back into forward gear I hear that slapping sound again. I try reverse and there no problem, so it must be something with the clutch dog/forward gears.
I thought I'd try limping back real slow in forward, which lasted about 3 minutes before I wussed out from the horrible slapping noise and decided to go for the gold in reverse for an hour and a half back to the ramp. Immediately after I reach the vacinity of the ramp, the boat starts spinning in circles because of competing currents and wind. While I continue to spin and sit frustrated I am providing great entertainment for the families loading up on airboat tours and fishing on the docks. I gave up on reverse after a couple minutes, sat on the bow, and paddled my way to dock.
I finally got the boat back home and I pulled the lower unit off for a look-see. While draining the new oil I noticed a fair amount of metal shavings that weren't there that morning, and the shift rod is looser than a thai h----r. Now I'm contemplating a rebuilt lower or getting the current one fixed.
Thank God for reverse gear... too bad it doesn't steer worth a s--t.
About 2 miles later I start to here a slapping sound (not a knock). I throw it into neutral and it stopped. I rev up the engine without gear and it sounds fine, but when I put it back into forward gear I hear that slapping sound again. I try reverse and there no problem, so it must be something with the clutch dog/forward gears.
I thought I'd try limping back real slow in forward, which lasted about 3 minutes before I wussed out from the horrible slapping noise and decided to go for the gold in reverse for an hour and a half back to the ramp. Immediately after I reach the vacinity of the ramp, the boat starts spinning in circles because of competing currents and wind. While I continue to spin and sit frustrated I am providing great entertainment for the families loading up on airboat tours and fishing on the docks. I gave up on reverse after a couple minutes, sat on the bow, and paddled my way to dock.
I finally got the boat back home and I pulled the lower unit off for a look-see. While draining the new oil I noticed a fair amount of metal shavings that weren't there that morning, and the shift rod is looser than a thai h----r. Now I'm contemplating a rebuilt lower or getting the current one fixed.
Thank God for reverse gear... too bad it doesn't steer worth a s--t.