mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

[homelite]

I have a 1995 Bayliner 2252 cuddy with a Mercruiser 4.3LX. I purchased this boat new. At about 200 hrs. I started noticing a clicking noise when turning full left or right. Most noticable in gear (idle speed). Now at 440 hrs it is getting worse. I pulled the drive. It slid off and back on ok so I assume the engine alignment is ok. I don't see anything wrong with the "U" joint. I don't see how it can be the gimble bearing since it only does it turning sharp either way. It feels fine when turning it. I have a "lubed for life" "U" joint. Could it be noisey even though it is not worn (sloppy) or tight? One dealer told me Bayliner has a thin transom and the outdrive is turning farther left and right than other boat builders and it is normal?? Looking for advise! As an automotive technician I'd like to correct it but I hate to replace parts that appear good and still have the same problem.

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

First of all the dealer is full of you know what!<br /><br />Change the u-joints and be happy. Hard turns left or right is the joints. Replace the u-joint with the greaseable type. Yours are most likely dry now.

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Thank you Trent for the advise. I think I'll do it. Do replacement "u" joints from Mercruiser have the grease fittings, or is aftermarket better? What is a good aftermarket brand? I can't see how they could get dry if they are sealed like automotive ones. However, they do have a lot more angle travel than a car driveshaft. Here is my web site. As a hobby, I restore Homelite-Bearcat 4 cycle outboards from the 60's.<br /><br />Homelite 4 Cycle Outboard Web Site

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Check the link out for aftermarket joints. Cheaper and better. web page <br /><br />Neat website. Iv heard of the Homelite but have never seen one. Bet she purrs like a kitten! Wondering why they compared it to a 75hp. Why not another engine closer in horsepower? A 75HP is going to burn more fuel than a 55hp. But I understand the point being made.

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Thakns for the link for parts. I just might buy there. I have to check locally to see if it is a better deal. The Homelite 55 4 stroke was compared to a 75hp 2 stroke because it could keep up with it. I have a great running 1970 Bearcat 85 (part of Boston Whaler at the time) I restored last winter. I can't update my web site because AOL doesn't support the publisher they supplied for me to make my free page back in 1996. It used a Coventry Climax powerhead from Coventry England. We know of 4 out of 500 that are running. The race car drivers got most of them becuase it was a Lotus engine too! If you want to see a picture(s) e mail me and I'll show you. homelite55@aol.com I'm new to this site. Maybe I should put the Homelite message on the outboard side in case someone is looking for help with one. Thanks again for helping me.<br />Scott in York, P***

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

I pulled the outdrive this weekend. The gimble felt a little rough and the U joints seemed fine. I replaced the gimble bearing. I stopped by the marina with the drive off and they shoved their alignment tool in. It had to be tapped a little bit, but it went in. He said it should be fine. Upon returning home, I had a very hard time getting the drive on. I had to tap it with a wood block and hammer. Then I had to pull it on with the 6 nuts as I tightened them. It runs fine now and I guess now that I ran it I'll pull the drive and make sure it is not still tight as I don't want to wear anything out. My question for people that do this a lot is, "is this normal"? Is it normal for a drive to go on a little on the tight side? How could replacing a gimble bearing effect engine alignment? It seems the inner race of the bearing would be adjusting itself to the shaft and coupler. The drive slid off very easily with the original bearing so I know there was nothing wrong with the alignment when I started. Thanks in advance for an experienced persons answer.

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

The tool should go in smoothly.. Lube with grease and see the "grease tracks" and adjust to make the "tracks" the best they can be. THE TOOL SHOULD GO IN EASY!!! <br /><br />The trouble you said above still SAY'S U-Joints!! (Clicking both right or left!) Just my thoughts... And to answer your question..Every now and then you have to wrench up the drive and it works ok.

 

[flashback]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Just have a question, where is a good place to get an alignment tool? I most likely need to check mine as I replaced the engine last fall...I just figured the crank shaft on one engine would be the same another, maybe a bad assumption....

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

You can get an alignment tool at www.mecrstuff.com Make sure you get one for alpha Gen 2 drives. There is one for TSR or something that costs more. Now I'm nervous about getting mine back off! I'm going to run it again to seat everything, then take the drive off and see if It is still tight. I might be getting a tool myself so I have one. I don't want to run it if it isn't right for fear of damaging the coupler and/or the new gimble bearing. I still don't see how a new gimble bearing should require the engine alignment to need adjusted???<br />Scott

 

[flashback]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Thanks for the info.. I don't think I need the tool, but it would be nice to have I guess. when I put my drive back on, it just slipped into place, no problems......I would think that if yours is binding up when it is connected, that you may be mis aligned

 

[ODDD1]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

homelite, you are missing a reason for the drive to be difficult to reinstall....if the drive has not been off for awhile a slight misalignment will cause the driveshaft spline to 'work' against the coupler, usually drying the grease that should be on them to a hard grey paste and wearing the coupler splines...now, unless you match the splines up EXACTLY as they were before, you will have to get past this uneven, binding, lumpy coupler splines with your lumpy driveshaft splines....a difficult re-install results.

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Well, I went to the river tonight. Replacing the gimble was a waste of money and time. It did not fix my noise while turning left and right (in gear). I pulled the drive off tonight. The good news is it came off real easy and slid right back on. I guess the new gimble bearing just needed to "set its race". I'm going to replace the u joints. If that doesn't work, I'll just have to live with it. Obviously nothing is going to break. The joints still look and feel fine. How do I get the reatiner out. I tried big (huge) channel locks but it is very tight and did not budge. I think I will order the tool.

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Guess I will not reply again....Noise when you move the drive left or right is U-JOINTS!!!!!!!!!!!! <br /><br />ODDI knows what he is talking about!

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

I hope you are right! I'll know in a week or so. I ordered the tool to remove the flange to get the driveshaft out. You sure wouldn't think the joints are bad by feeling them!

 

[homelite]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

Installed the new U joints. Took it to the river tonight. NOISE GONE!! Trent, you were right all along. The old joints looked fine. I think if they could have been greased the noise would have gone away. The "lubed for life" just seems to shorten the life. The gimble bearing was a waste of money, but at least it is new too! Thanks again.

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser 4.3 clicking noise

<br /><br />Glad you fixed it!! Its a very common problem. I hate (personally) the "lube for life" joints.