Novice paranoia: Clicking in Lower Unit

[haycord]

1985 Johnson 150. When I spin the prop by hand there is a pronounced clicking inside the lower unit. I changed the oil recently, it had no water and a tiny bit of metal particles on the magnet. I filled it "from the bottom up" with Penzoil Lower Unit Oil. A friend says the clicking is not normal. I value the knowledge of this board, please tell me what I should do. Thanks

 

[Bear]

Re: Novice paranoia: Clicking in Lower Unit

It is normal in forward or reverse. In the opposite direction that is. Other direction and you'll turn the engine, right?<br />No clicking in neutral.

 

[haycord]

Re: Novice paranoia: Clicking in Lower Unit

I'm sorry I left out a vital piece of info. It is in neutral when I hear the pronounced clicking, I made sure of that. Is it an adjustment problem, or worse? By the way, it runs great, but I don't want to mess up anything. I just noticed it when I walked by the other day and spun it by hand. Thanks

 

[Bear]

Re: Novice paranoia: Clicking in Lower Unit

In that case I would try pushing the shift lever just a little (in both directions) and using a buddy turning the prop to see if it goes away. Igniton off of course. I think neutral position is a little off. I think you just need to adjust the shift cable.<br /><br />You can also unhook the shift cable at the engine and turn the prop yourself while you feel for the neutral position.