Intruder 150 Lower unit problem

[Driftless]

I have a 1994 Evinrude Intruder 150 on my Skeeter and started having a problem today on the water. When i turn the engine on and shift it into forward it will make a clunking noise similar to what it does when it goes into gear, however its in gear when doing this, it only does it at idle and it doesn't do it every time I turn the motor on and throw it into forward. I just put a new Raker prop on there and does that have anything to do with it making this noise?
Any input or help/advice would be greatly appreciated. I hope it isn't time for a new lower unit because money is very tight right now.

[ChampioNman]

Did the clunking begin when you installed the raker? When you installed the Raker did you install the correct thrust washer with the prop?

[Driftless]

Yes I took the boat out a week prior to the new prop and it was fine, this was my first day on the water with the new prop. However, I'm fairly sure its the proper thrust washer since it fits nicely with the prop and lower unit. The clunking noise doesn't happen in reverse and it doesn't happen every time I put it in forward. I am lead to believe that either my lower units going bad or possibly the prop hub is bad.

[ChampioNman]

Put the old prop back on and verify no clunk. Don't know what the old prop was before the replacement if it was a Renegade they have two different thrust washers.

[Hair Jig]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by b*******51 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> I'm fairly sure its the proper thrust washer since it fits nicely with the prop and lower unit. </td></tr></table>

"Fits nicely" doesn't necessarily mean that the washer is correct. Like ChampioNman suggested ... put the old prop back on and see of the noise stops.

If I'm not mistaken, the proper thrust washer for the Raker is part # 126870. Check your washer for a part number.

[gearcaseman]

Generally, if you have a lower unit problem you will see large shavings and chunks on the drain plug magnet. However, you could have a problem with the thrust washer inside the unit causing too much end play. Grab the prop by hand, and check the fore and aft movement. You should'nt have more than @ .070"

[Driftless]

Well I took the prop off and checked the Thrust Washer, the part # matches and everything fits good. I then put the boat in forward when it was turned off and in my driveway and took my hand and tried to spin the prop, I could barely spin it in reverse or forward(as it should be). So I tried it in forward again and i could easily spin it this time with some noises coming from the lower unit. I'm assuming I have a gear worn down in the lower unit as sometimes the forward "hooks up" and other times it doesn't. Will I need a whole new lower unit or is it probably just a gear that needs replacing?

[Driftless]

I also noticed some metal shavings on the drain screw when changing the lower unit oil last fall.....so I am almost 100% sure its lower unit problems. WHat exactly I dont know but I do know my wallet can't afford an entire lower unit replacement right now

[Hair Jig]

Sorry that you're having problems. Lower unit issues SUCK. Click on gearcaseman's name a couple of posts above this one, and send him an instant message. Eddie (gearcaseman) is as good as it gets on these issues, and he can walk you through a few steps to help determine the problem. If it has to be worked on, he's the best out there and is very fair with his pricing.

[Bassmeister]

EH Steve....don't try getting any of my points with Eddie!!!

[Hair Jig]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Bassmeister &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">EH Steve....don't try getting any of my points with Eddie!!! </td></tr></table>

You're totally out of that race Mikey ...... I could walk from my house to his if I had to.

[gearcaseman]

O.K. Guys, don't worry, you're still on the payroll !!!!! (Thanks)

[Hair Jig]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by gearcaseman &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">O.K. Guys, don't worry, you're still on the payroll !!!!! (Thanks) </td></tr></table>

But I wanna know why Mike is getting a bigger check than me?

[Bassmeister]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Hair Jig &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

But I wanna know why Mike is getting a bigger check than me? </td></tr></table>

Hope yers ain't bouncing as high as mine!!!

[gearcaseman]

Well, when I start making the big bucks like Fred does, It's "Party Time" for everybody on the payroll !!!