Coupler going bad signs???

[Poorboy Pontoon]

How do you know if your coupler should be replaced? Hard clunk when shifting from nuetral into gear? Just wondering..........I have everything apart and now would be a good time to replace it.

Also, is there any issue using the triangluar version mouted to the flywheel vs. the smaller ones that bolt to the studs?

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

Ayuh,.... And We're workin' on What,..??

 

[Don S]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

When a coupler fails, any coupler, the boat won't go. If the splnes strip out, the shaft going to the drive will not turn. On Alpha style drives,and OMC Cobra drives, that also stops the raw water pump in the drive. This causes the engine to overheat.
If the rubber seperates from the splined sleeve in the coupler, you will basically have idle speed going forward or reverse. if you give it power, it will slip and usually will burn the rubber and cause smoke and a burned rubber smell in the engine compartment, due to engine alignment being off.
You can also look at the splines in the coupler. If they all come up to a sharp point, well the coupler is about gone due to lack of lubrication.
Couplers need grease, and proper alignment to last.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

This last post from don should be a sticky.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

i aligned my boat to where the bar would go in at all angels but with a little tug and pull.

is this okay ?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

Hard clunk when shifting from nuetral into gear? Just wondering..........

Is this an alpha? Clunk into gear is normal.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

I think mines bad boat wont go and people by the back said they smelled rubber
shifter engages with little effort but prop ratchets when in the right position. Also when i crank engine get squeal noise. Will rotate engine and see if shaft turns. 1973 120 mercruiser ran great but treating it like a jet ski while tubing is a no no. what a idiot i know . Probably needed outdrive removed and serviced anyways. will work on it as soon as it warms up in nw ohio. Hope i diddnt hurt outdrive.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Coupler going bad signs???

Prob your belts bad causing the rubber smell.