Mercruiser 140 - Smoke then loss of power to sterndrive!

NickMc

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Hoping to find some assistance...

My newly-aquired 1983 Fletcher was put in the water for the first time yesterday, along the river Stour from Sandwich. The boat seemed to select a gear correctly although my inexperience is not something to rely upon. I increased power as the river widened after around 15 mins into the trip, then there is a burning smell and smoke coming from the inboard. I reduce power again but over the next 30 secs the boat lost all power and we drifted safely to the bank, only to be towed back by a passing day cruiser - many thanks to the 'Lady Jayne'.
I checked within the engine compartment and found that the heat was worst around the transom (i.e. at the union between the engine and the sterndrive).

The smell was similar to burning rubber or clutch...?

What have I done, where is the failure, anybody able to recommend a Mercruiser engine specialist in SE Kent...???

I would be grateful for any assistance or pointers.
Thanks,
Nick
 

danielbroad

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Sounds like the coupler between the engine and drive has gone - normally caused by outdrive alignment being wrong i think.
 

Nickcf

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Highway Marine have an engineering dept alongside them who are pretty useful (might be under a different name but they will tell you)- get them on -

Highway Marine Boat Showrooms of Sandwich LtdPillory Gate Wharf, Strand St, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9EU
Tel: 01304 613925
 

Freebee

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Its nothing you have done, its the rubber drive coupling that connects the drive to the engine. When it fails the coupler spins on the outdrive drive shaft and no matter how much you rev the engine the drive only turns slowly almost like its in neutral.
Its very hard to see this as its right at the back of the engine, buts its failure may be a sympton of something else failing causing excessive drag on the coupling. drive misalignment, drive bearings or failure of the drive universal joint. Unfortunately with the price of mercruiser spares not cheap to fix.
 

duncan

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rather depends if it just failed or had already failed and been in some way bodged to just hold up......

personally I can't see the latter - you would have to do most of the actual work involved to get at it; pretty pointless, you would just replace the part. the only way I could see to bodge it would become pretty obvious on dismantling - injecting a glue via the grease nipple on the coupler... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

most likely failed as a result of having sat unused unloved and unserviced (properly).
 

NickMc

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Thanks to all. The boat is booked in at Highway. Without much discussion they too believe the coupling is at fault. They're also going to confirm that there's nothing else which could repeat the event of last Saturday.....Nick
 
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