02 Merc 60 4st Clicking when throttled down

[haullintime]

Hi. Just purchases a used boat package this past May with a 2002 Merc 60 4 stroke (Not the EFI modle). It has been running great all summer but the last few times out I have heard a fairly loud clicking/ grinding sound from under the cowl when I quickly throttle down from full or 3/4 throttle to a low idle/trolling speed. It does not appear to do when I gradually reduce the throttle back, or if quickly throttled back into neutral. The performance does not seem to be effected by this noise and it really seems to be more of a clicking then a grinding but it is difficult to tell as there is alot of other background noise when I'm trying to focus in on it. Any help would be muchly appreciated!!!
Thanks a million.

 

[bassman284]

Re: 02 Merc 60 4st Clicking when throttled down

Normal. When you shut down fast like that the water forces the prop to turn faster than the gear case for a while. Kind of a ratchet effect going on.