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Posts: 569
Location: Williamstown, WV | i bumped my lower unit on a log (3mph) and my prop started making a clunking noise. My prop is not damaged but does move back and forth a tiny bit. I took everything off and everything appeared fine. I put it all back together but it still moves a tiny bit back and forth. Is this normal? Its moving about 1/8 inch. I have a 90 hp mercury 4 stroke. Im not sure if it did this before so just curious |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Good Evening,
I have heard of some back and forth free play in the prop shaft on mercury motors before, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Hitting a log at 3mph I feel would not damage your lower unit, but one never knows.
One quick way to check if the main prop shaft is ok is to put your prop on, put it in neutral and spin it by hand. If the prop shaft is bent at all, it will show as you spin the prop.
The clunking noise you mention...does this only happen when you shift into gear? Does the motor sound like it is running higher RPM's when you shift into gear? Any way you can try to elaborate on the clunk at all? Hard to do, but anything you can add may give some insight to what might be happening. I'll help if I can....
Steve |
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Posts: 569
Location: Williamstown, WV | Ok I didn't notice the clunking noise until I approached the boat launch. I ran 3/4 throttle (30mph) back to boat launch and it had no problems. As I throttled down it made a clunking noise. My wife even looked at me and said what's that? lol. I tied up the boat on the dock and backed trailer in water. I restarted boat and put it in gear and it didn't make the sound at all. I was too chicken to go run it wide open and slow it down again. I actually thought it might be a stick or something caught in the prop as our waters are a little flooded with sticks floating around but I didn't see anything. I mean I take great care of my boat/engine and it's a 2003 and just hate to have a costly repair. Thanks.
Shawn |
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Posts: 569
Location: Williamstown, WV | Also the engine does not sound like it's running a higher rpm or anything like that. Just seemed to do it when I powered down. Also I spun the prop in the parking lot and it sounded like it had sand in it. (dont' know why that would be). I did take it apart at home and wipe old grease (2 months old) and reapply new and it is not making that sand noise anymore when I turn the prop. Hope this helps a little. I'm probably over reacting but just want to be sure. |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I know if you were to cut the engine while it is moving forward and in gear it will make that sound. My bet is that is all it is...
If it ran fine at 30 mph, I'd say you are good. If there was something wrong with the lower unit, you would have had a vibration of some sort and you would really feel it.
Steve |
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Posts: 569
Location: Williamstown, WV | Thanks a lot. You've helped me out a ton. |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | You are welcome my friend. Anytime...
Best to be overly cautious that to be reckless and make something worse. My gut says you'll be fine.
Steve |
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Posts: 315
| There is def a small amount of play in the prop...I have 03 90 4 stroke and there is a small amount play. Engine always starts, and always gets me back. |
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Mercury prop