Alpha One noise...

[270win]

I've got a 90' 220CC with a Merc. 5.7/Alpha setup. Every once in a while I'm hearing a subtle but rhythmic knock in the outdrive when I put it into reverse with the wheel turned all the way in either direction. I don't hear anything at higher speeds but that could be because of increased engine, wind and water noise. I've had the boat for about 3 weeks and already put 25 hours on it with no problems....I planned to have the outdrive overhauled this winter just because it had some wear on it, but I might have it done right now just to be safe. Any ideas on what that noise might be?

 

[FYN409]

Would take some disassembly to diagnose, but from what you have stated so far I would start by looking at your u-joints. Could also be a gimble bearing, but that is typically more of a growl sound.

 

[270win]

Yeah, I was just looking at another forum and a guy with similar symptoms needed U joints.

 

[Knotty Buoy]

Yeh ! I had a similar problem. Replaced the UJ's and the noise is still there. Spoke with the local dealer and he reckons the scope of the steering just pushes the UJs beyond their "spect" operating angle.

:grin:

 

[270win]

shouldn't there be a "bump stop" to prevent turning the drive to the point that it binds the U joints?

I'm taking it in on Wednesday for the mechanic to see it.

 

[Knotty Buoy]

You would have though the sweep would have been limited but I suppose it's only taken to it's limits when manovering so the load is not excessive. Mines is particularly noticeable when the engine is running on "muffs and reved to a hard idle on port lock.
I've had the same to a degree with every Merc I've had, but it just seemed that bit worse with this one. However, £51 lighter and all I've bought is some peace of mind.

 

[270win]

That's why I'm taking mine in, the peace of mind is worth the money spent.

 

[Knotty Buoy]

Well worth it. I've seen failed ones wreck the shaft journals and that gets expensive.:grin:

 

[Lazy Daze]

Light knocking is normal - severity of sound may change slightly depending on the angle (trim) that the drive is at, as well. Obviously I can't listen to your boat in person, but if it is more of a light tapping, I would certainly wait until the end of the season. Since some tapping/knocking is normal, I may not even do anything about it. But again, I can't hear it from where I am... :smt001

 

[270win]

Light knocking is normal - severity of sound may change slightly depending on the angle (trim) that the drive is at, as well. Obviously I can't listen to your boat in person, but if it is more of a light tapping, I would certainly wait until the end of the season. Since some tapping/knocking is normal, I may not even do anything about it. But again, I can't hear it from where I am... :smt001

it's a light tap. My wife didn't even hear it...I'm sure I'm a bit sensitive to any noises with a new (to me) boat. My old boat made noises too but I was used to them.

The boat has 500 hours so the thorough going through is goingto help me enjoy it more...

 

[270win]

I had the U joints replaced about 3 weeks ago. They also replaced the gimble bearings and the impeller and re-aligned and sealed the drive...much more peace of mind, and the noise is gone. It was right at $1,000 for everything but he said it should last a LONG time with regular maintenance. That's what I was wanting to hear!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sounds like a $1,000 well spent! Thanks for posting back in regards to your results.

 

[270win]

Sounds like a $1,000 well spent! Thanks for posting back in regards to your results.

best grand I've spent on it yet...I'm sure there are several more to spend before I'm happy....then 2-foot-itis will probably me lead to move up!:smt101