Clicking noise only when in gear

[waskomatic]

When idling, the engine sounds fine, but as soon as I put it in gear, it starts a ticking noise. Ticking speed increases with more throttle. When in neutral, I can give it plenty of throttle and it sounds perfect.

It almost sounds like the old days when kids put cards in their bicycle wheels. I wasn't able to see anything visible, but I took a video to record the sound. https://1drv.ms/v/s!Avw02zA2uHXFhI03WpDc2hm0hKSoKw?e=Dw8ncg


TIA

[Turbinesurgeon]

Check the prop shaft bolts under the V-Drive


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[waskomatic]

Thanks for the reply. I actually checked those bolts the day after I posted. All four bolts were loose, but the shaft didn't appear to have broken free from the drive. I tightened them up and I'm planning on hitting the lake tomorrow to see if that was the fix. I sure hope so cause the repair shops are two weeks out and I've got a week long trip planned next week.

Thanks!!

[Turbinesurgeon]

Thanks for the reply. I actually checked those bolts the day after I posted. All four bolts were loose, but the shaft didn't appear to have broken free from the drive. I tightened them up and I'm planning on hitting the lake tomorrow to see if that was the fix. I sure hope so cause the repair shops are two weeks out and I've got a week long trip planned next week.

Thanks!!

You bet. It sounded a lot like what happened to mine. They would loosen after about 25 hours of use. I ended up installing 4 new nylock nuts and they haven’t loosened since. I check them every once in awhile.


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[waskomatic]

Well, unfortunately snugging up those bolts didn't make a difference. I'm planning on removing them completely and separating the two flanges. That way I can tell if it's coming from the propeller side or the transmission/v-drive. Hoping it's not too serious, but not looking good.

[Turbinesurgeon]

Well, unfortunately snugging up those bolts didn't make a difference. I'm planning on removing them completely and separating the two flanges. That way I can tell if it's coming from the propeller side or the transmission/v-drive. Hoping it's not too serious, but not looking good.

Maybe you could use a mechanics stethoscope and see if the noise is coming from the transmission or the v-drive. Also see if it goes away with increased RPM.


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[waskomatic]

I pulled the drive shaft and it still made the sound so I know it's not the propeller, packing nut, or drive shaft. It doesn't go away with increased RPM, but just ticks faster. Using a stethoscope, it sounds loudest at the front of the v drive. I'm wondering if it's a bearing inside the v drive, but it's getting beyond my abilities. I've got an appointment scheduled with my local shop, but not until Aug 3. I'll update when I have a diagnosis.

[waskomatic]

I decided to give it a go and pulled the v-drive. I'll document my progress here in hopes that it might help someone in the future.

First, I had to pull the floor up to make enough room. I removed the seat first to make it a little lighter and easier to handle. There are several visible screws in the floor, but what I didn't realize is there are some inside the seat storage going horizontally into the floor. Once those were out, it came out pretty easy.

There are 6 bolts that attach the v-drive to the transmission. I removed those and was able to pull the drive off of the splined shaft. It was pretty heavy and took two of us to get it out, but not too difficult.

Once out, I removed the bottom pan. I'd recommend draining the oil first or you'll end up with a mess like I had.

The good news is I found the problem, bad news is that it's not good. The drive gear has two teeth that have broken off. (see attached images)

28811 28812

I've got a call in to Walter for replacement parts, but waiting on a call back for pricing and shipping time.

[Turbinesurgeon]

Wow. Good find. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. When re-installing you may have to move the engine mounts to get the proper prop shaft gap clearance but that’s pretty easy.


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[Isaguel]

Wow, good you found it. That looks pretty serious. What year boat is that? Good luck putting it all together again. You're obviously mechanically inclined. JIC, wanted to bring attention on how crucial it is to get the proper alignment for the coupler between the crankshaft and tranny. It has very small tolerances. Misalignment when reinstalling can be bad. Its finnicky as you'll have to adjust the motor mounts to get it aligned. Here's a good video on this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEqzJgCz_6w

I know this is a direct drive but the principles are the same.