Outdrive noise

[Robert Hoye]

I recently acquired a 1997 Sea Ray 210 BR with low hours. This is my first boat with a mercruiser outdrive. I've noticed a slight knocking noise from the outdrive when when throttling up and turning from a dead start. The outdrive sounds fine at higher speeds when turning or when pulling up a skier in s straight line. I was told this noise had been there since the boat was new and that the dealer had confirmed this is normal for mercs due to the dual u-joint design. Anyone have any feedback on this?

 

[Knot Sorry]

Robert,
We just joined this board after buying our first Sea Ray, a 1989 268 Sundancer. After the purcase, including a sea test, everything seemed fine. Then about 3 weeks later we noticed a slight knocking coming from the rear only at idle or slow speed. When we open it up, its gone. Wonder if this could be coming from the outdrive too. I was concerned that maybe it was a main or rod bearing. The last time out I opened it up max for a good 15 miles and it was smooth with no noise at all, then at idle it was back.
Do you have any input or anyone else that may read this.
Thanks

 

[skolbe]

Could be a number of things. Engine alignment, lack of grease or just the U Joints. If your drive has never been pulled and serviced. Now would be the time. Don't risk this one. It can be an expensive repair if the alignment is bad.

 

[Kevin Smith]

Knocking In Outdrive

There seems to be two issues here.

I had a 186 Sea Ray with an Alpha One and it made the same noise at low speed as Roberts. If the outdrive has been serviced as needed by a quality shop and the dealer says this is normal you are probably fine.

The 250/270 Weekender we have now has a Bravo II outdrive. It makes a noise at idle that sounds like a Rick's knock, but we are told it is the flapper valves in the exhaust. After having the outdrive off and serviced we are confident the flapper valves are where the noise is coming from.


Kevin Smith
Richmond VA 250/270 Weekender 7.4 330HP Bravo II

PS In the future please try to put these kinds of posts on the proper forum.