v drive transmission engagement. peace of mind

[HIngemaster]

Good morning all. New to big boats. I have a 02 380 dancer with 8.1's. This boat is fairly new to us, just purchased at the end of the summer last year. I have noticed this year that my starboard transmission engages with a heavier "clunk" than my port which is silky smooth. I do not hear any other abnormal noises while underway at idle or on plane. There also is no delay in the transmission engaging or any other noticeable issues. It may have been that way last year but i am not positive. Fluids changed this spring and all seems well. Does anyone else notice a similar difference? just looking for peace of mind OR possible warning of what may be to come.

Love the forum!

 

[rondds]

Could be the stbd engine is just idling higher? Might need an adjustment to the throttle cable. What are your idle RPMs on both engines? are they the same?

 

[fwebster]

On v-drive boats, in order to get counter rotating props, one transmission runs in forward and one runs in reverse. In other words, the engine's rotation is the same on both sides, but the props run in opposite directions, i.e. counter rotation. The transmission running in reverse must turn an intermediate shaft while the one running in forward does not. This means you have gear lash to remove in a second set of gears on the side running backwards. The extra clunk you hear is perfectly normal and occurs on every v-drive Sea Ray.

 

[HIngemaster]

Thanks Frank. I was wondering if the counter rotation had something to do with it. Thanks for the info. i will cruise a little more relaxed now.

 

[Bt Doctur]

And you have checked the transmissions oil level and condition?