Cluck when shifting B3 into forward or reverse

[tcontic]

I hadn't noticed it before but when I shift my B3, connected to a 7.4 MPI engine, into forward or reverse I hear a "clunk" sound. Not very load and most noticeable when running on the ears.

Is this normal or should the be a smooth transition between neutral and fwd or rev?

Regards,
Tom

 

[skibum]

That "cluck" in your outdrive should go nicely with the "quack" of your horn... :smt043

 

[Lazy Daze]

I hadn't noticed it before but when I shift my B3, connected to a 7.4 MPI engine, into forward or reverse I hear a "clunk" sound. Not very load and most noticeable when running on the ears.

Is this normal or should the be a smooth transition between neutral and fwd or rev?

Regards,
Tom

Very normal and a good thing to hear. What you don't want to hear is a grinding noise - that would mean you're not shifting quickly enough and the gears are grinding. A good, solid clunk is exactly what you want. You can hear it easier with muffs because when the boat is in the water, the water acts as a muffler.

 

[KayKook]

It's not a Volvo, so the "clunk" is normal for a Merc. Enjoy.

 

[Lazy Daze]

That "cluck" in your outdrive should go nicely with the "quack" of your horn... :smt043

Nice! :smt001

 

[Dave S]

There is a small clunking sound on your particular B3 that is considered "normal". However, it is very quiet compared to an Alpha drive if you have ever experienced one of those. And on the newer B3 drives (that were changed a few years ago), the clunk is barely audible. I had both the old and newer versions of the B3 and the new one is a definite improvement.

 

[Lazy Daze]

By the way, NEVER shift a Bravo drive without the engine running - supposedly with the newer styles it's OK, but I'd err on the side of caution. You can damage the point where the shift cable attaches at the drive. It's OK to do with an Alpha.

 

[H2OME]

The reason the newer Bravo III shifts smoother like the Volvo is because Merc now uses the same cone clutch that Volvo has used for years. When Merc originally introduced the B III it couldn't used the cone clutch for legal (patient) reasons.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I'm on my second BIII and will also confirm that the clunking sound is normal but with the DTS the shift is as smooth as silk.

.