Wrench advice for a non wrencher

[Dan]

Was on East Bay Monday and when I put the boat in gear there was a loud clatter like gears not messing in the transmission. After a few seconds it meshed and ran without a problem. Didn't do it every time I decided to move, but it did do it several more times. Is it the lower unit going???

[djkimmel]

It could be, which is not good... but it could also be you just have something loose somewhere along the way, maybe even just  your shift cable...? Good luck. Maybe more true wrenchers can weigh in also?

[dartag]

Like Dan said it sounds like it isn't going into gear all the way.  Take the cowling off and have someone shift it.  Check to see If it is going all the way back. Check to make sure the shift lever is tight.  There are some bushings that may be worn.    Drain the lower unit and look for metal shavings of bits. 

Good luck hopefully it is a easy fix.

[Dan]

Thanks guys. I just got off the phone with the local marine mechanic. We live in Podunkville in the woods. Just sold the house in GR last October and moved in to our tiny, but on the lake and in the woods cabin. Haven't been able to really do much fishing in the last 4 years. My mother-in-law has needed our care and she past away last year at 92 so we were able to cut ties with the big city and move up here before we're too old to do it. I probably fished 5 times in the last three years. Only once last year so, now we're up here I have been getting out to chase the spawn. Been catching a bunch of fish and starting to move north with the spawn. GT Bay Monday is when I began hearing the disturbing sound when putting the boat in gear. Got on here to see what info I could glean before the Boat House opened this morning. You guys were spot on. The mechanic I talked to there said the same thing you guys said. Best case is a cable adjustment, worst case a new "clutch dog." He's going to try and look at it late Thursday or maybe Friday. Takes two days to get the clutch dog and then installation time. Of course they are extremely busy. He said he'd see what he could do for me. He's a good mechanic and has helped me out on my flotilla a number of times in the past. I'll let ya know what he finds.

[djkimmel]

Good luck! Sometimes it is just the simple things, especially when it just starts happening like that after some recent use.

[TheFishinPollock]

Did you move up by me in TC Dan?

[Dan]

Kind of. We have had a cabin about an hour south of TC for 30 years. It's a tiny place, but it's in the woods on a little lake. We finally sold our house in the big city and are tiny housing it. Love it though.

[djkimmel]

Sounds like a good life to me...!

[Firefighter Jeff]

   Good for you Dan.  Has the fishing been good on the bay.  I considered fishing it Wednesday and changed my mind.