Alpha One Gen 2 Clunk into Gear

[kevoneill1979]

Hi, this is my first post on this forum, but I have found it to be really useful whilst working on my first boat! I bought a Chaparral 1830SS as a none runner and I have been trying to get it ready for this summer! I have finally got the motor to run, but when I've attached the outdrive, it makes a clunking noise whilst going into forward or reverse (see video).

Is this noise normal? As this is my first boat I have no idea and don't want to be causing damage!

Thanks

 

[flashback]

welcome!
sounds normal to me, the dogs in the lower unit clunk quite loud.

 

[Faztbullet]

Did you check alignment when you installed drive? Why the fuel pressure regulator? Spark arrestor doesnt look marine.

 

[merc850]

[Q] Doesn't the shift linkage have an interrupter switch that momentarily shorts the ignition to make shifting easier?
Right now the prop is freewheeling back and forth but when it's in water there will be a dampening effect from drag and it will not be as "clunky", the water will also make it quieter.

 

[kevoneill1979]

welcome!
sounds normal to me, the dogs in the lower unit clunk quite loud.

Thanks for your reply! It's reassuring that you think that's normal!

 

[kevoneill1979]

Did you check alignment when you installed drive? Why the fuel pressure regulator? Spark arrestor doesnt look marine.

No I never checked alignment as I haven’t removed the motor so was kind of hoping that it should of been ok! I put the fuel pressure reg on because the carb was filling with fuel after fitting a new fuel pump so was thinking the fuel pump pressure was too high? As for the flame arrestor, again the boat didn't have one and couldn't get one in UK for reasonable price so got that cheap off ebay!

 

[kevoneill1979]

[Q] Doesn't the shift linkage have an interrupter switch that momentarily shorts the ignition to make shifting easier?
Right now the prop is freewheeling back and forth but when it's in water there will be a dampening effect from drag and it will not be as "clunky", the water will also make it quieter.

I hope so, just didn't want to take it to the water until I knew that noise wasn't something to be concerned about!

 

[flashback]

No I never checked alignment as I haven’t removed the motor so was kind of hoping that it should of been ok! I put the fuel pressure reg on because the carb was filling with fuel after fitting a new fuel pump so was thinking the fuel pump pressure was too high? As for the flame arrestor, again the boat didn't have one and couldn't get one in UK for reasonable price so got that cheap off ebay!

You really, really need a proper arrestor, one backfire out of the carb and the boat could become a fire.

 

[racerone]

Shift quickly.----Do not ease it into gear.

 

[Scott Danforth]

No I never checked alignment as I haven’t removed the motor so was kind of hoping that it should of been ok! I put the fuel pressure reg on because the carb was filling with fuel after fitting a new fuel pump so was thinking the fuel pump pressure was too high? As for the flame arrestor, again the boat didn't have one and couldn't get one in UK for reasonable price so got that cheap off ebay!

what new fuel pump?

did you check pressures?

if the spark arrestor / flame arrestor is not marine certified, get one that is.

 

[QBhoy]

yeah that is normal when out the water. will be ok in the water. Just be positive when shifting. don't mess about with it going into gear, if you get me.
Other than that...that engine has had a few things messed about with. The air filter isn't right and should be changed for a proper one. Looks like there is something added there on front starboard side too. looks like a breather or filter maybe. shouldn't be there. Not sure why the gear lube header tank is fitted that side. sure it wouldn't be the other side originally near PS pump.

 

[kevoneill1979]

You really, really need a proper arrestor, one backfire out of the carb and the boat could become a fire.

That is a K&N marine flame arrestor, it just wasn't designed for the 4.3 mercruiser engine, I had to modify it to fit? Surely being a marine flame arrestor it can do the job?

 

[kevoneill1979]

Shift quickly.----Do not ease it into gear.

Thanks

 

[kevoneill1979]

what new fuel pump?

did you check pressure
if the spark arrestor / flame arrestor is not marine certified, get one that is.

 

[kevoneill1979]

So when I bought the boat it had no fuel pump. Mine is a 1998 model carb, but I found a 1992-1997 model fuel pump new and figured as they were both low pressure type so should be fine. When I ran the boat, the carb chambers were filling up with fuel so thought either carb issue or high fuel pressure? The carb is also brand new so for piece of mind I just bought the inline fuel pressure reg to control fuel pressure, I never measured it. The chambers no longer fill up with fuel?The flame arrestor is a K&N marine flame arrestor, so surely that is certified?

 

[kevoneill1979]

yeah that is normal when out the water. will be ok in the water. Just be positive when shifting. don't mess about with it going into gear, if you get me.
Other than that...that engine has had a few things messed about with. The air filter isn't right and should be changed for a proper one. Looks like there is something added there on front starboard side too. looks like a breather or filter maybe. shouldn't be there. Not sure why the gear lube header tank is fitted that side. sure it wouldn't be the other side originally near PS pump.

Yes the flame arrestor an inclined fuel pressure regulator have been added by myself! With regards to the gear lube, that is on a proper bracket that wouldn't fit on the other side? It bolts directly to the risers? Thanks for your info regarding shifting, certainly helps me feel more reassured!