Noise when shifting into forward or reverse

[tim-osborn@sbcglobal.net]

I purchased a 1978 seaswirl a year ago. Have spent the year fixing it up and going thru the mechanicals. I work alot on cars and sell auto parts, so the engine is up to par and running strong. However the rest of it i have to refer to the manual alot. <br /><br />So to my question, why is it that when i shift from neutral to reverse or forward it makes noise. The noise sounds like grinding gears, kinda like when shifting a car with a bad clutch. The setup I have is a 120hp omc with a 400 outdrive. Cables are in good shape and lubed. No binding in cables, work smoothly on or off the boat, wires to shift mechanism look good, no breaks or wear.<br /><br />Does anybody have any ideas what may be causing this? Someone at work suggested that my idle is to low. I have it set around 700rpm which to me seems right, in an automotive app, but what about marine? Is this to low? <br /><br />All suggestions appreciated.

 

[tommays]

Re: Noise when shifting into forward or reverse

Does it make noise after its in gear ? or only while shifting<br /><br /><br />On a boat with that type of drive you put it into gear quickly or it will make noise<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[tim-osborn@sbcglobal.net]

Re: Noise when shifting into forward or reverse

Only when shifting from neutral to forward, or from neutral to reverse. Once in gear runs smooth with no noise.