How to make engine A LITTLE louder

[sms986]

I'll start by saying I DO NOT want to do a thru-hull exhaust. Ear drums aren't cheap and everyone I'm sharing the water with deserves to keep theirs in tact. That being said, I can't hear my engine. At all! I can barely tell it's running at idle, I only hear the bubbles from the rear. I built a nice little 350 for it and I, being an avid automotive fanatic, would love to hear something. I don't want it to be a "wake up the neighbors" exhaust, or even a rumble. I just want to hear a bit of life from the engine. Does anyone have any little non-invasive tricks to do that? Also is there a possibility of a clog or something somewhere in the system? I can obviously hear it when I'm at cruising speed, but I don't hear a V8 engine. I hear basically an electric water pump. And even that is very, very quiet. The engine is a 1989 mercruiser 5.0-shortblock was replaced with a 5.7 of the same year. Alpha one gen I outdrive. Thanks!

 

[harringtondav]

Opinion: If your boats runs well, provides the power you expect, leave it be. My 4.3LX was louder than I cared for, so I added extra aluminized insulation to the rear seat back joint to seal a sound gap. If I could cut the noise more, I would. I like to hear my passengers talk. But that's just me.

 

[Scott Danforth]

change the exhaust bellows to an exhaust tube. instant louder

 

[sms986]

Again, I'm not looking for an exhaust so loud that I have to scream at my passengers, but I literally can't hear this thing at all. While I agree with your opinion that if the boat runs well it should be left alone, I would like to at least get a pulse here. A few weeks ago, I was on the lake and my interrupt switch was failing. I was setting my anchor and when I shifted out of reverse, I couldn't even hear that the engine had shut off....I spent a few seconds scratching my head before looking at the tach. That's how quiet this boat is.

 

[Silvertip]

Have you had your hearing checked? I cannot believe you can't hear this engine at any speed. Because you can't hear is not a reason to make the engine louder.

 

[H20Rat]

Can't believe this product exists, but... looks like it sells well. (tldr, cig lighter gizmo that syncs itself to your engine RPM, and plays the engine of your choice through your radio)


http://www.soundracer.se/


In any case, careful for what you wish for. Loud boats tend to get annoying, it isn't like a car where noise level varies. Boats tend to just drone on since RPM's often don't change.

 

[sms986]

drunkenWaterRat, I have seen that, but I'd like to be able to hear the actual engine. Aside from the enjoyment, there is a maintenance Factor in this as well. I have been an avid automotive mechanic for years, and I've come to learn that there are many dead giveaway sounds that come from an engine indicating an issue long before that issue gets very expensive. A lot of these giveaways can't be felt, but they can be heard. I can obviously hear the entire sterndrives system making some noise under throttle, but I'd like to hear the actual engine running. Also, I am very used to the resonating sounds of an outboard during long drives, and they don't bother me. I would like this engine to be quieter than my outboard though (87 Johnson 9.9) .I'm starting to think that there is something goofy going on here, as it seems to be a real shocker that I would want more noise, as if it doesn't make enough. Maybe I'll post a video next time I'm out so you guys can listen and possibly tell me "hey, that's not normal."

Silvertip, I knew going into this post that I would be bashed and treated as a moron for, oh heavens, wanting to hear the sound of my own engine running. There are people on here who are so prude to this idea. They are the kind of people who drive with earmuffs on and call the cops when they hear their neighbors fart at night. I mean, come on. I hoped that someone would be able to help, and not just hack on me for asking a very reasonable question.

 

[harringtondav]

I mean, come on. I hoped that someone would be able to help, and not just hack on me for asking a very reasonable question.

You're right. We piled it on a little too deep. I apologize for my kick-in. An I/O engine is anchored pretty solid to the boat's structure. A 'V' engine more so. The engine mounts are isolated high durometer rubber, but they don't give a fraction of the flex of auto or truck mounts. They're rigid to maintain drive alignment. So you can feel much more of the engine thru your seat coming from the transom and stringers. So an I/O engine will let you know of problems by vibration, and more by performance. I could feel a barely visible trash hit ripple in two prop blades. An engine misfire or stutter comes thru the same.

And not to justify the hazing, but most/many operators, like me, want a quiet cockpit where we can hear our passengers, and listen to, and feel the outdrive. That is where most I/O issues come from.

 

[Scott Danforth]

see post #3

 

[sms986]

Like I said, I expected it so no need to apologize, although I do appreciate it. It's very hard to describe how "loud" I want it to be. However, I'll try. My truck ('15 F150 5.0-factory exhaust) has the perfect exhaust volume. (it doesn't have the 'fake' engine noise simulator). I can hear the truck running at idle, but I can also whisper back and forth with passengers under hard acceleration. It's just a mere, pleasant background noise. That's what I'm looking for. Obviously with the wind and such I wont be able to whisper. I love the sound of the truck. However, any louder would indeed get old on a boat. I spent the afternoon last Sunday on the water fishing and some guy on a speedboat drove me up the wall with his thru-hull. Aside from the maintenance Factor, I'm not looking for a glass pack jet exhaust. I just want to feel (hear) like I'm operating a V8 engine, not a swimming pool pump. Someone out there has to have found a simple way to do this.

Scott, I have noted your input. That is the first thing I'm going to try. It seems like a lot of people are big fans of the tube, and the ease of maintenance is always a plus.

 

[achris]

I agree with Scott Danforth , exhaust tube versus exhaust bellows. And thanks, you've reminded me I have to fit some sound insulation to my engine box.

Chris....

 

[Scott Danforth]

or buy a volvo-penta. the exhaust exits above the water while on plane

 

[sms986]

Last question, is the tube the same for both gen 1 and 2 alpha drives?

 

[achris]

Last question, is the tube the same for both gen 1 and 2 alpha drives?

There is no tube listed for the Gen II, but the bellows for Gen I and Gen II is the same... So, by logical deduction, the Gen I tube would fit on a Gen II. (Gen I tube is only specified for 454 MAG engines with a Gen I drive)

I thought you said you have a Gen I, why are you asking about Gen II gear?

Chris...........

 

[sms986]

Did an eBay search and most listings say "alpha 1 gen II" so I just wanted to make sure before ordering.

 

[TyeeMan]

Xs 4 on the exhaust tube. Some years ago we had a Wellcraft with 5.0/Alpha and an exhaust tube. At idle you really couldn't hear anything but just before it would get up on plane the exhaust tube get above the water line and you got nice rumble of a V-8 which oddly enough didn't really get much louder the faster we went.

And, if you don't like it you can put your exhaust bellow back on.