Mercruiser alpha noise.

[tinkicker0]

Copied from Practical forum. May be more Mercruiser Alpha owners on here. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

As lift out time approaches, I am doing a little forward planning for the purchase of replacement parts.

This is my first boat and first season. Last winter I had the drive off, checked engine alignment, replaced all the bellows and checked / lubed the gimbal bearing and UJs.
Gimbal and UJs were fine, no play and smooth running.
However she has always made a very audible whirring noise (not a clunking or knocking) as the drive goes close to either steering lock. It has not got worse.

Q1. Since I never had the opportunity to hear another alpha doing its thing, is this noise normal or should the drive be completely quiet? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Q2. If the consensus is slightly marked bearing cups in the UJ needle bearings making the noise, I heard that Spicer make some the same size and are superior in quality to some aftermarket ones. If so. does anyone know the model number?

Thanks in advance guys. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[geardownthreegreens]

I'll be interested in hearing some views on this.

I had my gimbal bearing replaced a month ago due to a slight grumble. On first outing,everything fine and quiet i believe. 2 and last time i used her, the noise was back to normal, a slight grumble,worse on hard lock.
Makes you feel like banging your head against a wall
although i cant help but feel that this may be contributed by a slightly chipped aluminium prop which i've been using since my Hi- 5 was stolen. A damaged prop can cause unwanted vibration.Have another new stainless now thou
Boat is now up F S @9400 on boatsandoutboards.A rinker 212, shameless plug LOL, absolute bargain

 

[lovezoo]

I've got an alpha 1 with a mercruiser 4.3 EFI and can't say I have ever heard a strange noise when on full lock. The power steering pump does make a noise when on full lock, but that's it.

 

[geardownthreegreens]

I have the same setup as yourself,hmmm, i will check the power steering pump but i do believe the noise is down to the gimbal again. At idol you can make out this slight grumbal.

 

[carlton]

I have Alphas and can't say I've noticed any kind of noise from them.

 

[SkipperMarv]

We had a noise on engaging gear that was worse with the lock on, although on Bravo 2's.

When it was out at the start of this year we found that the gimball bearing was knackered, but also replaced the UJ's as they were ony £20 or so, when I stripped off the UJ's only one of em was rusty, despite regular greasing and having no play etc, they actually looked ok before stripping.

But the noise has gone, so once you get the leg off try spinning the gimball bearing, if it has any roughness, replace it, £65 if I remembe right, and if it is ok, replace the UJ's, both of them.

Hope this helps, good luck

 

[tinkicker0]

Thanks again guys.

I have ordered a new gimbal bearing, UJ spiders, impellor and all the bits n bobs required.

At least after lift out time I will have the parts to hand before the dark nights arrive with a vengence.