Banging, clunking and thumping. Driveline problem 496/Bravo
12-04-2017, 07:40 AM
#32
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12-04-2017, 08:14 AM
#34
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The splines look to be in very good shape on the engine coupler, Gimbal bearings can make a lot of nasty noises when they are worn, obviously yours was way beyond worn! I think that rusty thing is the end of one of the bolts that is coming from inside holding the transom plate on. Give it a brushing and put some grease on it. If you solve the bellows leak there shouldn't be any more water in there messing things up.
Also while you have the drive off check the block where the trim hoses attach and see if that is all in good shape, the mercathode wires can rot out and leak and make a mess in there.
Also while you have the drive off check the block where the trim hoses attach and see if that is all in good shape, the mercathode wires can rot out and leak and make a mess in there.
12-04-2017, 08:16 AM
#35
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If there is any black rubber dust around the inside transom assy, that would be a sign that the coupler was damaged. Probably not but worth checking. A boroscope would be very helpful. Most good mechanics have one. Even available on amazon for less than 15 bucks. great for finding stuff dropped in the bilge. https://www.amazon.com/MiluoTech-End...ords=borescope
12-04-2017, 09:23 AM
#36
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BE CERTAIN that they check and correct engine alignment before they put that drive back on there. It's a bit hard to "check" the coupler, but ensuring engine alignment is going to be paramount, especially after your boat spent all that time on it's side on the trip over. I would be CERTAIN to make sure that all of the engine mounting points are sound, and all fasteners are tight. I have seen gimbal bearings go bad before making noise and the like, but I have NEVER seen one come apart.
Have the techs SHOW you their alignment tool and show you how they use it. If they can't do that, you need to find someone that HAS the tool, and knows what they are doing.
Have the techs SHOW you their alignment tool and show you how they use it. If they can't do that, you need to find someone that HAS the tool, and knows what they are doing.
12-05-2017, 12:56 PM
#38
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A system logical approach to help find the issue is - in order
Drain gear oil and inspect condition and drain plug magnet. Most people gear oil needs changing anyways
next pull outdrive off, inspect U joints and movement, engine alignment with the correct tool , material on the shaft splines and so on,
Next is run the engine with the drive off - did the noise go away ? one seperates systems in a boat to see where the problem is located? Also stick the alignment tool in the coupler and run the engine - then watch what kind of circle pattern rotation the alignment tool is making.
while the drive is off - always look for water in the bellows pleats and of course corrosion - corrosion should NOT be on anything including the U joints, next - inspect the gimbel bearing and its rotation. If its the greasable bearing --- grease then rotate every 1/4 turn with fingers ( grease at every 1/4 turn).
Drain gear oil and inspect condition and drain plug magnet. Most people gear oil needs changing anyways
next pull outdrive off, inspect U joints and movement, engine alignment with the correct tool , material on the shaft splines and so on,
Next is run the engine with the drive off - did the noise go away ? one seperates systems in a boat to see where the problem is located? Also stick the alignment tool in the coupler and run the engine - then watch what kind of circle pattern rotation the alignment tool is making.
while the drive is off - always look for water in the bellows pleats and of course corrosion - corrosion should NOT be on anything including the U joints, next - inspect the gimbel bearing and its rotation. If its the greasable bearing --- grease then rotate every 1/4 turn with fingers ( grease at every 1/4 turn).
Also I see lack of proper maintenance here (not dogging you but it is what it is ) and you need a engine coupler might be yes percent wise. . Merc alignment tool OEM only not ebay brands
Last edited by BUP; 12-05-2017 at 01:40 PM.
12-05-2017, 01:16 PM
#40
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Really U joints inspecting them externally is not a true test nor their movement being completely free with rotation.. The true test to inspect u joints is to pull off the end caps and look for scaring, Also this is called Brinelling --- meaning u joint needle marks appear on the surface of the cross - this alot of times is caused by torque and driveline angles that a marine outdrive goes thru. - over time this puts excessives loads on the u joint bearings and ends up leading to failure. BRINELLING and I used CAPS for that word, haha
