Tapping sound from powerhead '76 75hp Johnson

[Keyboardman]

Have a tapping sound coming from the powerhead of a new to me 75hp Stinger engine. My old 50 makes that sound a little too but I've never had any problems with it. Possible bearing ready to go out? Thanks.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Possibly, check your pistons for play at tdc

 

[JDusza]

Can you use a stick stethoscope to narrow down the location?
J

 

[Keyboardman]

I'll try the dowel stethoscope method to see if I can locate the noise better. How should I go about checking piston play? A dowel thru the spark plug hole and push down while turning the flywheel? Thanks

 

[Bosunsmate]

I rotate them to tdc and a dowel with a bit of rag tied on the end and adjust the flywheel until you get to the sweet spot to test for play.You will notice the difference between cylinders if it is indicative of an issue with those bearings