Clunking from outdrive when turning.

[CraigBarnard]

1965 Starcraft Cheiftian
120 hp mercruiser.

Very loud repeating clunk or bang from outdrive when making turns.
The tighter the turn the louder the clunk.
Will shake the entire stern of the boat.

The tighter the wheel is turned the louder and stronger this clunking becomes.
When we first set out this issue does not seem to be present.
However the longer we operate the boat the worse the symptoms become.
Also seems worse when operating in reverse.

Any ideas?
Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Clunking from outdrive when turning.

Have you checked the ujoints?

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: Clunking from outdrive when turning.

Have you checked the ujoints?

No. Just noticed the problem yesterday.
First time the boat has been out for any extended period of time this year.
I assume the outdrive needs to come off for that? New boat to me.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Clunking from outdrive when turning.

Yep time to pull the outdrive, the 6 bolts make sure it is in forward and pull the outdrive.
Inspect u-joints, gimble bearing, check alignment and look at your splines for wear.
Also being very familar with starcraft boat (1986 cheiftain) check your transom for rot and make sure the front motor mount is good.
Both my transom and front motor mount was bad on my boat. Replaced them both.
Also how is your rubber boots that keep water out of the u-joint area.

 

[kwebster1]

Re: Clunking from outdrive when turning.

Mine did the same thing and it was the gimbal bearing. I replaced it and greased the u joints. good to go from there