Pinging when put in gear

Just got first boat and it's a project boat for fun. Boat has a 1996 Johnson 48hp (previous owner replaced water pump, only thing replaced other than routine maintenance). Motor runs fine, it idles a little rough and smokes a bit. The problem I am having is a noise motor makes when I shift from neutral into forward the motor makes a pinging noise. Almost sounds as if something is touching the flywheel for a second when I put into gear. Working on this alone so I haven't been able to visually verify yet. Any suggestions as to where I should start my search? Also any suggestions to recommended maintenance motor could use as it sat for a couple months (other than plugs and gear oil changes those already). Thanks for all suggestions!

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Should note noise only occurs when moving into gear it subsides once motor is in gear.

Re: Pinging when put in gear

You should not "ease it" into gear, instead you should put it in gear with a positive stroke; try it and see if it "pings".

Re: Pinging when put in gear

I will try to make sure I shift firmly into gear and not ease into it. Had a friend drive for a bit who is reasonably knowledgable when it comes to boats/motors did samething for him, (assuming he didn't ease it into gear) any other thoughts?

Re: Pinging when put in gear

The shift linkage could be assembled wrong or need adjustment could also be a worn shift dog. The pinging sound would be the same as easing it into gear as Will said.

Re: Pinging when put in gear

I will take a look at the shift linkage, just started reading up on how to adjust it. If the shift dog was worn wouldn't the motor be slipping out of gear? Once it is in gear it defiantly stays there. Hoping this isn't a huge lowerunit problem because while I would try it, I know its going to be somewhat over my head.

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Probably not a big deal. Make sure the linkage seems right and then take it out on the water pop it into gear and see what happens. If it is some thing to do with the shifter you should feel the popping thru the shift handle.

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Thanks for the help with this I really appreciate it. I'm going to mess with it Saturday and then put it in the water and see what it does.

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Update: Checked the linkage it was good. Dropped it in the water last night not sure if this makes sense had a buddy check out motor while I popped into gear. He seems to think the starter is hitting the flywheel. From what I know about the starter which could be wrong, the bendix rises to engage flywheel then disengages, has anyone had any experience with the bendix rising on its own and contacting flywheel? Not sure if there is a loose bolt or something along those lines yet that would cause bendix to engage, or possibily an electrical problem that causes the bendix to engage when motor is put into gear. Anyone ever had a similar issue? Thanks for any help.

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Can you take the cowl off and watch to see if the starter bendix is actually rising up or are the starter bolts loose enough to let the starter move around?

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Agree +1.....

Re: Pinging when put in gear

Going back to where I keep boat tonight to fool around with it for a few hours, I will post whatever I find. Maybe post a few pics if I can get in there without losing a finger. Here's to hoping its just a couple loose bolts...