Transmission wow's

The Kid Here, I'm having starboard transmission troubles too:smt013. The boat has been dry docked for three (3) friggin weeks. The trannie guy pulled it two weeks ago and I finally heard from the insurance company today. They are saying that it might be cheaper to replace the whole trannie with a new one instead of just replacing the forward running gear which is what I'm having the problem with. I get a clunking noise only in forward.

Any thoughts:huh:
 
Hans said:
I had the clunking noise in forward and reverse. It was much louder in reverse though. My problem is on the port side. Changing transmission did nothing for me except cost lots of money. I've been at it now since 8 July. Sucks! :smt013
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Oh man, I can't believe the trans change did not repair the issue. Good luck man!
 
Here are a couple things you could try....

1. I have experienced various shudder or erratic engine noises that are either timing related or air leak related. Verify simple things like spark plug wire routing (this engine still uses individual wires, correct?) and check for air leaks around the intake area with some carb cleaner. Do you notice a change in rpm while spraying carb cleaner?

2. Unplug the main ECU harness and check for any corrosion. In fact check all harness connections for corrosion. Spray some electrical contact cleaner and reinsert the plug ends. Also you could try swapping ECU's from one engine to the other. Is there a crank or cam position sensor? Check/clean the harness plugs if one exists.

3. Are the flex plate bolts tight? Is the engine damper bolts tight? Are all keys/key ways still in good shape (no spun keys)?

4. Check for any fuel restrictions. Filter new? Could the engine be starving for fuel once a load is put on it? Once you increase the throttle, the load is overcome and the noise goes away?


That's about all I can think of at the moment.

Doug
 
Man-oh-man! What a frickin' nightmare! :smt013

Off the wall suggestion, but I wonder if it would be worth running briefly with the serpentine belt removed.

Good luck!!!
 
Hans said:
I am open to all suggestions at this point. What would that do?
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Sometimes bearings can go south in accesory items (alternator, power steering pump, water pump, etc) which can put additional load on the motor and cause symptoms similar to what you're seeing. Long shot, but try it.

Doug
 
Do you have any video with sound of the problem? You did mention removing the tranny and then running the engine with no clunk? Then when the tranny is installed you get a clunk correct? Sounds like the engine thrust bearing on the crank may be bad. Did you have an oil analysis performed on the engine oil?
 
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Hans said:
I am open to all suggestions at this point. What would that do?
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Long shot I know, but at least removing the belt would rule out any noises from the seawater and circulation pumps, the alternator, idler pulley, and vibration damper.

My brother had another suggestion... Just run the boat until something breaks. At least then you'd know what is wrong.

Being the boating fanatic that I am, I completely sympathize with your situation. Good luck!!
 
Is the boat still under warranty? If they can't locate the problem, maybe mercruiser/sea ray would put something in writing that once whatever breaks, they will cover the repair?

Doug
 
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