Penta MS2A-D gearbox woes

[Ruffles]

This season my engine has been sounding like a bag of nails when in gear. At the weekend I noticed that the gearbox is rumbling with the engine off and the shaft spinning. Not just the usual whine - more of a rumble.

Dove under to look at the prop and shaft last night. Nothing amiss. So I suspect the gearbox. It's a Penta MS2A-D. Done about 600 hours. Should be hardly run in.

Just looked at the cost of parts here . Looks ominous. Are these things available on a recondition / exchange basis? Anyone know a reliable source?

 

[chrishelen]

I had the same problem earlier in the year,i thought my g/box was shot,i was advised to check my engine mounts,sure enough the port side fwrd mounting had worked loose and the nut was lying in the engine bilge,put it back on,result no more nasty noises.
best of luck.

 

[Ruffles]

[ QUOTE ]
I had the same problem earlier in the year,i thought my g/box was shot,i was advised to check my engine mounts,sure enough the port side fwrd mounting had worked loose and the nut was lying in the engine bilge,put it back on,result no more nasty noises.
best of luck.

[/ QUOTE ]
Fair point. I've never checked the engine / shaft alignment - mainly because I'm lazy and it involves removing the batteries. I'll give this a go at the weekend.
Any suggestions on how to undo socket head bolts on the drive flange? How do you stop the shaft turning?

 

[chrishelen]

use mole grips on the shaft if possible and let them jam on the hull,you need an attachement for your socket head bolts, get the size and try Halfords,best of luck.

 

[Ruffles]

[ QUOTE ]
use mole grips on the shaft if possible and let them jam on the hull,you need an attachement for your socket head bolts, get the size and try Halfords,best of luck.

[/ QUOTE ]

Previously I've used keys and a pump handle as a extension. Proper socket set keys sound a better bet.

Thanks,