Velvet Drive chatter in neutral

[Viper]

Double check that. Many a tech has been fooled. Any internal engine noise back there will be transferred to and easily mistaken/assumed to be the tranny. If the sound is determined to be coming from the flex plate, again, one mustn't assume it's a failed plate, it could be an engine runability issue.

[Dewmyster]

Tom, I have a 1998 370 Voyager I purchased last October. 7.4 MPI's with 650 hrs. I backed out of the deal because of the "chatter" from the tranny. Owner had his tech look at it and he spent $7K to make it right. Nothing wrong with the tranny but the port engine needed new heads, manifolds and risers! Rough running engine will cause this. Re-sea trailed and bought it. Love the boat but only used it for 3 weeks and put it away for the winter. Hope to have her in the water for May 1st! Good luck but please do yourself a favor and follow Viper's suggestion related to a Merc Tech.

[tomschauer]

Thanks Dewmyster, I will be sure to have everything checked. If I find the problem and make the purchase I will let you all know what the problem was.

[tomschauer]

Latest update, an old salt marine mechanic says the noise is from the springs in the damper plate. He says nothing to be con
concerned about. I do not know much about these, but I do know if one of the clutch springs in and automotive clutch fails, it makes a big mess.
Any opinions?

Thanks

[Viper]

Ya same as I mentioned above, different English. Replace it. A little muscle needed but not that bad to do on most inboard applications. Could be a little tight in a 355 though.

[tomschauer]

To update anyone interested. We were to settle this weekend, but I am holding off due to the trans noise. I believe we are getting a great deal on this boat if it is nothing more than a flex plate but not so good if it needs a new engine. I want it repaired before purchase as I do not like to pull from the slip if I have any doubts about my equipment.

Thank you all for you input.

[Viper]

Wise move. If you revisit the sale, ask for a copy of the invoice and a mechanic's description of what was done.

[tomschauer]

To all; the damper plate was replace, it had two broken springs. All seems to be fine now.

Thanks for your ideas.
Tom

[Dewmyster]

excellent news Tom. Good luck with the new vessel.

[Viper]