Engine Coupler?
 

Hello all,

Ok, I just got thru replacing the gimble bearing, and bellows and all that. When I started the engine I'm hearing a metalic rattling noise that varies with engine speed. ( sounds similar to a loose torque converter on a car) . anyone have any ideas ? I'm thinking engine coupler or broken flywheel . What say you ?

P.S. this is a 1990 chaparral 2300sx , 7.4L bravo 1

did you use the Alignment tool before putting thr outdrive back on?

if the drive is all the way up,it will make a loud rattling noise.

Well, I called myself using the alignment tool
The drive shaft slid into position with no problem
how would one adjust the alignment if it were off?

You need to use the alignment tool to make sure everything lined up properly. Poor alignment is the reason for bad couplers and worn out u joints.
You adjust the alignment by adjusting the engine mounts.

ebay has alignment tools for 30-40 buck works great bought one a few weeks ago. here are several machine shops that make them on there.

I'll try the alignment again, but, for my luck , that would be to easy a fix !!!

Exhaust flappers??

As long as you're pulling the drive check the u joints.

Would that also apply if you have solid mounts (race mount)?

There is very little movement with race/offshore mounts. You can tweak it a very very little bit if needed by loosening the bolts, but usually it does not get out of alignment either. If its way off for some reason, then the mounts need to be redrilled. I would also be looking for a reason as why the alignment is off.

already replaced the u-joints , they were falling apart. Ha !
Thanks for all the replies. Will keep updated.

ive seen couplers come loose and also flywheels come loose, u might want to retorque

Exhaust flappers in the Y pipe. Is the sound metalic?

I red locktite it all:drink:

I had a similar noise and it was the upper gears in my drive.Remove the top cap and have a look just in case.Hope it's ok.

thats stuffs woths it weight in gold :drink:

Saftey wire the exhaust flappers closed and they'll stop making noise.:eek:

Ha, that might work !! I didn't even know it had exhaust flappers.
Rechecked the engine alignment and it was perfect .
still makes that metalic/clinking sound at idle tho. can anyone tell me what an engine coupler might sound like , or other synthoms when going bad?

Exhaust flappers!!!!!

LOL !!! Ok , I guess I'm going to go with exhaust flappers.
sounds better than pulling that engine , anyway.

Mine rattle like crazy and it freaks me out!!!!

The coupler really does not make sound when it goes bad.

Place your hand on the exaust hose near the exhaust tip and you should be able to feel the internal exaust flapper banging.

It's funny, through all my years of playing with boats i have never had to do anything like what I've had to on this one. Bought it knowing I would, just never have before. It's a fun project. !!
thanks for all the replies. Here's to hoping my next question won't be so elementary. LOL !:drink: