Volvo Penta DP-S Noise in Neutral

[homelite]

I have a 2000 5.7GSI with the above drive. It is an "EF" charcoal engine if that matters. It is in perfect condition, works fine, and it has 130 hours. My question (because I am picky and hear everything) is..when in neutral, you can hear a "slight rattle" or "clickity clickity" from the drive. This stops when put in gear. When on the trailer and running with the ear muffs and props off, I heard it at around 2000 rpm in neutral. Drop it in gear and it goes away (of course in the driveway with no props, there is really no load). I am thinking that in the upper gearcase something must rattle a bit when not in gear??? Does this make any sense? Did you ever hear of this? Is it anything to worry about?


Also, what/how do the clutch cones "grab"? I understand they have no "cogs" like a clutch dog such as the Mercruiser I used to have. Is it a "locking taper"? What is the adjustment procedure for the volvo shifter system?
Thanks in advance,
Scott

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Volvo Penta DP-S Noise in Neutral

Any chance this is a new engine? Friends engine was doing this after a few hours on an engine change. My initial idea after listening to it was the starter gear was loose, jumping and pinging on the ring gear. With the outdrive off and finally pulling the engine, discovered the flywheel had come loose. It would quiet down at higher RPM. Just a thought. FRED

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo Penta DP-S Noise in Neutral

It's normal, it's just the backlash in the gears ratteling. Usually hear it when engines have a miss and don't run smooth. Diesels really make them rattle.
Yes, they do have a shift cone. You just adjust the cable so the shift mechansim on the drive is in the neutral detent when in neutral, and when shifted it goes all the way into forward and reverse.

 

[homelite]

Re: Volvo Penta DP-S Noise in Neutral

Thanks Don. I kinda figured the answer would be something like that. I didn't really think there was a problem. Just wondered what it was!
Scott

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Volvo Penta DP-S Noise in Neutral

As usual Don hit it right. I have VP SX drive and got scared when the boat had about 100hrs on it and I intermittently heard the rattle in neutral. Have put nearly 800 more hours on it and I still only hear it every now and then.

Thanks Don. I kinda figured the answer would be something like that. I didn't really think there was a problem. Just wondered what it was!
Scott