ticking sound at idle speed

[Darrenkmac]

I have a 94 Evinrude 175 sixty degree that I rebuilt almost 5 years ago. It has given me no problem and runs smoothly until my last visit to the lake. I began hearing a ticking or clicking sound at idle speed. It is right in rhythm with the engine running. If I push my hot foot and give it any gas at all it stops. It runs smoothly while idling but it sometimes makes this ticking sound. Not always mind you but most of the time. It has never done this before, only that day. When I rev it up to drive away it stops. Runs smoothly at any speed. The only thing that I did differently was that I had changed the spark plugs before going to the lake. A friend told me to change my reeds ? Does anyone have any ideas ? Thanks, Darren

 

[Daviet]

Re: ticking sound at idle speed

Welcome to the forum.
If all you did was replace the plugs, pull them back out and see if you can see any damage to them.

 

[Darrenkmac]

Re: ticking sound at idle speed

Thanks for the reply.... I will check the plugs. I would have thought there would have been enough clearance between the plug and the piston. Would the reeds be an issue ?

 

[iwombat]

Re: ticking sound at idle speed

Did you by chance move the plug wires around also? Could be they're close to the cowling latch and arcing at idle. Does the tick sound like a spark arcing?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: ticking sound at idle speed

Try it with the hood off and see if it either goes away or gets louder. Post results.

 

[Darrenkmac]

Re: ticking sound at idle speed

I found the plastic cover plate from the flywheel back to the powerpack had 2 loose screws. I was able to tap this plate up and down with my finger and it did make a similar ticking sound. I am eager to try running the motor now that I have tightened those screws. I hope this is my problem. I would feel a little foolish if it is the problem. I would feel even more foolish if I had taken it for service and found such a problem. Thanks for the tips. I will post the results as soon as I run the motor :joyous:

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: ticking sound at idle speed

Hoping that was your issue.