Clunking and prop slipping

[SkaterRace]

I have a 2019 Mercury 225XL that I took out tonight and when putting into gear and while on plane had some chugging/clunking along with prop slip. I am at a marina that has no on site mechanic so I am now debating if I spend my weekend pulling the boat and taking it to the mechanic Tuesday or if this is something that is likely an easy fix in the water. Any ideas what it might be and/or suggestions?

 

[cyclops222]

Did you stop the engine and raise it. To see if stuff is wrapped around the prop ?

 

[Chris1956]

I would think you need to check the gear oil for water and pieces of metal.

 

[SkaterRace]

Did you stop the engine and raise it. To see if stuff is wrapped around the prop ?

Yes nothing on the prop, spins clear and free as well.

 

[SkaterRace]

I would think you need to check the gear oil for water and pieces of metal.

Hmm if I find metal what would that mean?

 

[Chris1956]

Chunks of metal in the gearcase means that the gears/bearings/bushings are failing. That symptom is very bad.

SEI likely makes a replacement gearcase for your motor. I have heard good things about them.

 

[SkaterRace]

Chunks of metal in the gearcase means that the gears/bearings/bushings are failing. That symptom is very bad.

SEI likely makes a replacement gearcase for your motor. I have heard good things about them.

That was my fear, yup will be pulling the boat tomorrow then and taking it in.

 

[Texasmark]

If it wasn't for some clunking noises I wouldn't expect any gear problems. Sitting in the water you MIGHT be able to unscrew the drain screw and with a paper towel sample some gear oil. If you see metal or if it has a milky look to the oil, then look for problems. If not, pull the prop and look for damage between the spline and the barrel. If it has a removable insert, remove and inspect it for damage. On pressed in rubber you should see little pieces of rubber sticking out between the spline brass and the barrel.

 

[jimmbo]

"Chugging and Clunking" Noises, describe a large variety of Issues, from Misfires through Impacts. Best to pull the Boat, just to make the Inspection much easier

 

[flashback]

Yep your description is rather vague, it might be as simple as water in the fuel.

 

[SkaterRace]

"Chugging and Clunking" Noises, describe a large variety of Issues, from Misfires through Impacts. Best to pull the Boat, just to make the Inspection much easier

I'm 99% sure not a misfire, it is for sure something to do with the lower unit or prop. Got help coming in a couple hours to pull it and inspect it maybe Monday.

 

[SkaterRace]

Yep your description is rather vague, it might be as simple as water in the fuel.

I really don't have any more info than that sadly, granted I suspected a lower unit/gear issue or hub issue so I had maybe 4-5 minutes of run time away from the marina.

 

[SkaterRace]

Boat is pulled and likely going to the mechanic on Wednesday just have to call tomorrow to confirm if he has time/room.

Did some basic checks and very much seems like metal in the gear oil.

 

[Chris1956]

Skater, brand new replacement gearcases are about $1100 from SEI Engineering. When they give you a quote for rebuilding your gearcase, you might compare price. Mercury used to want $4K to rebuild a gearcase for their sterndrives. After the advent of the SEI brand, they had to cut their price in half.

 

[SkaterRace]

Got the boat back from the mechanic 3 days ago. Went out yesterday and no issues. Problem ended up being two things. Cyclinder 3 had a misfire in it so they replaced all spark plugs and the other part that made it noticeable as a clunk was the hub kit was a cheap plastic one and not a nicer rubber one so the uneven of the engine was felt more. Replaced that and kept the old one as a **** hit the fan backup.

 

[Texasmark]

I think the replaceable plastic/brass prop cores are a piece of "DUNG" and nobody is going to convince me otherwise!!!!!!!

 

[Faztbullet]

Plastic ones are fine as long as they are kept torqued to spec correct spec. Different hubs use different specs from 55 to 100 FTLB's