Penta SX noise at idle - source?

[DennisT]

I have a 2006 Penta SX 5.0L GL, NOT fuel injected- running great until recently. No problems, accidents, stumps, etc. Now at idle I hear and feel a rattle that seems like a bent prop. Noise and rattle go away when in gear. Prop looks perfect and is fairly new. Rattle and shake worse with trim up and maybe when turning, but turning is only a little worse-hard to tell. It also seems that dropping her into reverse from idle now seems to "clunk" louder than before.
Any thoughts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Penta SX noise at idle - source?

Ayuh,...

I believe those Volvos have U-joints,+ Gimbel Bearings like a Mercruiser,...

I'd start There....

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Penta SX noise at idle - source?

Lots of SX drives have a upper gear box rattle when idling with no load in neutral, typically caused by a slight miss at idle, no big deal at all.

However, if it changes and or goes away with turning or trim it is u joints and or gimbel bearing, that is a very big deal and you must pull the drive and inspect ASAP.

 

[Don S]

Re: Penta SX noise at idle - source?

The SX drive shouldn't have any upper gear rattle, especially with a V8, unless it is missing like crazy and really idling very rough.
I would pull the drive and check for water in the bellows, when was the last time you changed the gear lube? Have you checked the oil level lately?