MrB Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Since I put the boat in the water in early spring, when I go into gear it makes a chirping sound. Also when in neutral, if I attempt to spin the prop by hand it is extremely stiff. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted June 21, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2012 Maybe the strut bushing is shot? Drive shaft alignment, or bent shaft? Could be a few things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller DW Posted June 21, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2012 Sounds like the strut bushings, are they the black rubber ones or the white vesconite ones? Are you spinning the prop while boat is in water or out, if out and you have rubber bushings that might be normal as when dry they tend to bind. The new chirping noise adn the fact you notice something would lead me to believe something is amiss. Check shaft to engine alignment, bent shaft have you hit anything recently? Did you run the shaft dry, that will toast the bushings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ForrestGump Posted June 21, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2012 Yep, strut bushing. Bushings tend to chirp when pinched or worn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller The_MS Posted June 21, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2012 Ours chirped when it needed a new impeller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eyepeeler Posted June 21, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2012 +1 on the new impeller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted June 21, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 21, 2012 But with a really stiff prop, and it only happens in gear. That to me wouldn't point to an impeller, unless the problem is two-fold? I suppose it's easy enough to open the motor box and take a listen by the impeller housing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef23 Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Different things happen when under load vs just revving the engine. I would try the impeller first it is a 10 minute job and it never hurts to put a new impeller in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Gladding Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I have been in the marine business since 1979 and seen on a number of occasions where the rubber in the strut bearings will swell tightening the propeller shaft to he point it cannot be moved by hand. Since you hear it going in gear I would bet it is the shaft starting to turn with its lubricating water squeezed out. Once it starts rotating water works its way back in and the noise ceases. I have yet to have anyone explain why this happens. If itsn't causing you any grief I am not sure I would worry about it unless it continues to swell and tighten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrB Posted June 27, 2012 Author Share Posted June 27, 2012 It chirps all the time now when i put in gear, I did put a new impeller in this spring, no noise coming from there. @Bill Gladding , it is not causing grief but it is not normal for my boat. Is there anything I could do or replace? Should I take it in for repair? Where is the strut bushing? Can I check shaft alignment or I need a mechanic? By the way, I have not hit anything in a long long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted June 27, 2012 Baller Share Posted June 27, 2012 Your shaft bushing is the bushing in the strut, between the strut housing and prop shaft. It's not a fun change out, for a DIY'r. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now