1993 Ski Nautique Open Bow, runs rough and rattles when put in gear.

[pizzotti]

I have a 1993 Open Bow Nautique that I just bought about 6 months ago, and has always had a small rattle when I put the boat in gear. When going 5 miles an hour it runs pretty rough and makes a loud sound like it is missing or the transmission is slipping. However, when not in gear and idling it is fine and when i put the throttle down it runs fine as well. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am new boat owner so I don't really know how much things cost and I would like to know what I am looking at. THanks for any info.

Coby

[steelerguy]

SOund like the damper plate.

Read on -> http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...ght=steelerguy

[east tx skier]

Before you jump into the transmission, make sure your prop nut isn't loose. I had this happen on my old boat and it would make a racket at low speed, but be fine when underway because the opposing force of the prop would seat it on the shaft.

[pizzotti]

Thanks

So now my question is how will I know if the prop is loose? Will I be able to feel it move with my bare hands? I will definitely check that first. Thanks.

[pizzotti]

What exactly is the damper plate and where is it located? Sorry, but I am a total novice when it comes to marine engines.

[behindpropellers]

What RPM is it running while in gear and idling.

[pizzotti]

It is running at 1000 RPMs or below when it is just engage to gear and right around 700 rpm at idle maybe even like 500...not sure. I didn't pay that much attention, but at idle it sounds normal...it was only when I put it into gear and go around 5 MPH that it sound bad.

[AirTool]

What exactly is the damper plate and where is it located? Sorry, but I am a total novice when it comes to marine engines.

It is basically the engine's flywheel/coupling to the transmission.

[steelerguy]

I would not recommend any novice tackle this job.
Requires the Know how, 100 bucks for the damper plate and then a realignment.

I would say maybe 3-400 buck job if you have someone else do it.

Its located in the bell housing between the engine and the Transmission.

[east tx skier]

So now my question is how will I know if the prop is loose? Will I be able to feel it move with my bare hands? I will definitely check that first. Thanks.

Just check the nut. If it's the castle nut with the pin and the pin is there, that nut won't move enough to let the prop loose. I had this happen with a nylock nut that had worked its way loose and could make it a rotation or two before the cotter pin stopped it. Reversing the boat would get the propeller loose.

In short, if your nut isn't loose, that's not the issue. But since it's easy and cheap to check, it bears mentioning even if it's something else. I have mentioned it before and heard later that that was what the noise was. It makes a loud rattle for sure. :o

[pizzotti]

Thanks, I checked it this morning and it was tight. So my guess is that it must be the damper plate. I am going to have it looked at on wednesday. Anyone know of a good affordable marine mechanic in the Sacramento or West Sacramento, CA area?