View Full Version : Engine noise (problem)
krra1
07-23-2005, 05:51 PM
Today my boat (1990 Master Craft Maristar 210) started to make a cherping noise each time I turned the engine on. It sounded like a gerbil in its excercise wheel. I recently tighted the V-Belt according the mannual and it has not come loose or appear to be too tight. The sound goes away once the boat starts moving faster then the "idle-out" speed. The belt has teeth, the engine is a Chevy 454.
Everything else looks fine. If anyone has an idea what the problem is, please do tell. :confused:
Calif_BobPerry
07-23-2005, 06:27 PM
Sounds to me like your flywheel damper plate(attaches to the back of the flywheel) has gone bad,the springs wear out over time and become loose making a rattling sound (mouse on a exercise wheel)when the transmission is engaged and the boat is idling in forward or reverse then goes away as you pick up speed. Next time you have the boat in the water and you hear that sound raise the engine cover and listen, you should hear it around the bell housing and transmission area.
If you want to rule out the belt as the source of the noise, spray some water on it when it starts to chirp. If the noise goes away, get a new belt (especially if the one there is glazed) or tighten it..
bigmac
07-23-2005, 08:43 PM
If you want to rule out the belt as the source of the noise, spray some water on it when it starts to chirp. If the noise goes away, get a new belt (especially if the one there is glazed) or tighten it..
Good diagnostic test. One quick fix for a squealing belt is a little WD40, but that's only temporary. The reason it squeals is that it's glazed, and the reason it's glazed is probably that it's been too loose. Assuming that's the cause of your noise, you'll need to replace it. Once they're glazed, they're pretty much toast. You can be sure that it will fail fairly soon, and at the most inconvenient time possible. Tightening it might solve the problem or not, but belts are cheap adn easy to put on.
krra1
07-25-2005, 09:12 AM
Sounds more and more like the belt is on its way out. I tightened it two weeks ago and the noise stopped for a while. Now it's back and the belt looks loose, the alternator has not moved. The new belt is on order. It looks pretty simple, just loosen the alternator take the old off and replace with the new and tighen according to the manual specs. Is it really that easy? Is there a step I am missing?
J. Patterson
07-25-2005, 10:30 AM
Well, if it is an Indmar, you will have to remove and replace the water pump mounting bracket next to the crankshaft pulley, as it has the belt trapped. No big deal, Three bolts.
J. Patterson
krra1
07-25-2005, 11:05 AM
Thank John Patterson, I don't recall the belt being trapped but will find out soon.
krra1
07-27-2005, 08:18 PM
OK, Patterson was right, the belt was trapped. I am proud to say I removed the water pump bracket, turned the pump just enough to get the old belt out and slide the new in, put the new belt in place, started her up and the noise was gone. End of story, Right! WRONG
The new belt is much thicker then the old, I ordered from Skidim and I am sure its the right one. My question is why is the new belt so much thicker? Was there anything to be gained by the former owner by using the thin belt?
Yeah, he saved $.52(approximately). Either they didn't know the difference or didn't want to pay the price for the right one. The only other reason would be that teh OEM belt wasn't available and they just HAD to get back out on the water.