1985 SearRay SXL Noises

[Boatdude845]

I bought my first motorboat last spring, its a 1985 Searay SXL Bowrider and have enjoyed it greatly, I like how smooth it runs and how solid and quiet it is. But I have noticed a clapping or a rattling metal noise from the transom. I cant find its source in or on the motor. It sounds like a metalic rattle or grinding type noise and it seems to stop all together when the drive is pointing strait, when I turn it comes back and gets louder as I turn sharper.
A mechanic told me it is the exaust flapper valves that prevents water from washing back inside the motor that have lost their rubber seal. They checked the clutch dogs on the and the drive parts and everthing is ok.
I was wondering if anyone has heard of anything like this or if you may have the same troubles? And I was wondering if anyone has owned this year and model and how you like it?

 

[icewoz]

Boatdude,

I have an '89 280 SD with 5.7L 260hp merc I/O's. And I get the same sound, from the flappers. The surveyor told me that it was nothing to be concerned about.

And actually now, It's kind of a nice sound to hear . . . probably just because the engine is starting up and we're going out on the water!!!

Steve

 

[top*prop]

when the drive is turned is when the noise gets louder you said. if that is the case than it is more than likely the u joints, when you turn sharpely the ujoints are in a bind and causing the noise, it is very possible a new set of u joints will resolve your problem but it is also possible that they may still may make a noise when turning sharp.just too much of a bind.
if it is your exhaust flappers, this is a big deal.... they do wear out and break and the broken pieces fall down into your y pipe and will rattle around causing a hole in the y pipe, which will lead to the boat taking on water when running or not. also will require removal of the engine to replace the y pipe........new flappers are all rubber and do not wear out like the old style.... if it where mine i would have them replaced if that is what it is ......... the flappers will "tick" all the time when the boat is running but the sound tends to dissapear at higher rpms.........