Would a bad coupler make a noise like this?

2550SX

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
40
Hello all,

I noticed this noise the other day coming from the coupler / gimbal bearing area of my boat.


I hear the flappers ticking but there seems to be sort of a faint knocking also.

The boat is a 1992 with 1400 hours on the original 7.4 / Bravo1

I see zerks on the coupler and I did give them a couple pumps last year, I am considering giving them a few more pumps and seeing if that would have any effect on the knocking

Thanks
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,039
Don't see it being the coupler, but might be gimbal or drive

I see zerks on the coupler and I did give them a couple pumps last year,
Does this mean the drive has not been off in a while?Hope not, it needs to be pulled every year or max every 3 and everything checked out, gear lube changed
 

2550SX

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
40
I bought it in the spring of 2021 and paid a marina to replace the bellows that same spring. While they were in there I asked them to check the allignment, U-joints and gimbal bearing. Grease as necessary and change the oil in the drive. They gave it a clean bill of health. I have only put 35 hours on it over the last four years. The boat resides on the trailer and not a slip. It has never seen salt water since I have owned it. I should probably pull the drive and check everything out.

I am hoping U joints.

Thanks
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,940
Hello all,

I noticed this noise the other day coming from the coupler / gimbal bearing area of my boat.

I hear the flappers ticking but there seems to be sort of a faint knocking also.

The boat is a 1992 with 1400 hours on the original 7.4 / Bravo1

I see zerks on the coupler and I did give them a couple pumps last year, I am considering giving them a few more pumps and seeing if that would have any effect on the knocking

Thanks
Ayuh,...... 1992, is that a block mounted furl pump,..??
 

Scott06

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
6,414
could be a few things gimbal, ujoints, flywheel cover loose, fuel pump previously mentioned.

I had Ujoints on my alpha gen 2 that felt smooth, replaced them as I was into the drive for a bearing and decided to do all the seals... two crosses on each ujoint had ripples worn in to them yet were smooth ...
 

2550SX

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
40
Ayuh,...... 1992, is that a block mounted furl pump,..??
It sure is, i had to replace that $800 wonderful piece of engineering last year. I change the oil in it annually
 

2550SX

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Messages
40
could be a few things gimbal, ujoints, flywheel cover loose, fuel pump previously mentioned.

I had Ujoints on my alpha gen 2 that felt smooth, replaced them as I was into the drive for a bearing and decided to do all the seals... two crosses on each ujoint had ripples worn in to them yet were smooth ...
Thanks. I am ashamed to say i havent pulled the drive yet. I keep it on a trailer at the marina an hour from my home and i signed a waiver that i am not supposed to wrench on it at the marina even though we all do small stuff. Pulling a drive may raise some eyebrows. Ill probably bring it home to winterize and pull it. Ive pulled the alpha off my old boat many times but never a bravo. I heard i have to make sure to release the shift cable? Does that sound right? Im sure there is a youtube or two about it.

It was a youtube that i watched where a guy had the coupler nuts come loose and that scared me because i dont have means to pull the motor. So i have my fingers crossed its a ujoint or gimbal bearing.

Thanks
 
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