Engine noise at low rpm

[Kahuna Khris]

First day trying out minnkota rip tide installation last fall and threw a rod on my main on restart. They say due to hydrolock. In the shop all winter for rebuild under warranty. Now I have a loud engine knock at 2,000 rpm but goes away as rpm increases. Dealer has addressed twice but still sounds ugly. I'm afraid to accept it as OK and normal as I dont remember it before the rod issue. Anyone experience it and should I be worried? Have run a couple of hours under load with no issue at WOT. (Just joined and first post so apologize in advance for any protocol breach.)

 

[Earfixr]

Could be so many things. What exactly did they do to your block? How many rods? You could have another rod bent, bent crank, or piston slap. When they overhauled it, ask for web deflection measurements to verify the crank didn't get bent when the rod died. Good luck getting it all fixed.

 

[Kahuna Khris]

Could be so many things. What exactly did they do to your block? How many rods? You could have another rod bent, bent crank, or piston slap. When they overhauled it, ask for web deflection measurements to verify the crank didn't get bent when the rod died. Good luck getting it all fixed.

Was doing my circle check on the trailer to tow it down to the dealer again and decided to check the out drive. What I found was that the keel bolt was so loose it was almost out. Tightened it up and sound gone. Since I heard the rattle on the first test drive after the repair, and pointed it out to the mechanic at that time, I know they forgot to tighten it during the overhaul. Can't believe they didn't find it when I had it in twice since the repair for a metallic rattle coming from the engine area. Good case for checking the easy stuff first before assuming the worst. Just glad it was an easy fix and embarrassed that I didn't check it sooner.

 

[Scottintexas]

So have you learned not to trust the dealer? We want to think paying someone or a professional will take care of a problems but we've seen to many just pass stuff off as "That's normal" when it's a simple fix or requires testing,

It makes me wonder about your hydrolocked engine by using the trolling motor, what do you do now to prevent it? shutoff valve, put the bucket in forward or leave it idle?

 

[Kahuna Khris]

So have you learned not to trust the dealer? We want to think paying someone or a professional will take care of a problems but we've seen to many just pass stuff off as "That's normal" when it's a simple fix or requires testing,

It makes me wonder about your hydrolocked engine by using the trolling motor, what do you do now to prevent it? shutoff valve, put the bucket in forward or leave it idle?

I never trust the dealer and was getting pissed that it was my third time telling them about the noise and it kept coming back the same. Problem is they are the only dealer within two hours so have to preserve an ongoing relationship. Told them what the easy fix was that I found and hope they feel somewhat embarassed they didnt find it. Didnt rub their face in it though....but wanted to. Sure they're not losing sleep over it but I was. Every time they had it they kept it for at least a week.
They didn't comment specifically what caused the hydrolock but hinted that it was not the only case of it. Since they fixed it under warranty they assumed the liability whatever it was. Havent had an issue since but keeping my fingers crossed. They mentioned something about replacing a timing chain that was some form of recall while they had the boat though. Dont think it was related.

 

[Scottintexas]

if they replaced your engine because it hydrolocked because you were running with a trolling motor and backflowed water to your motor you should be jumping up and down with joy, that's such a easy "operator error" excuse they give to deny a warranty.

I'd also have to think there was another issue going on but again, shame on them for not explaining it to you correctly.

The 1.8 did have an issue with bad timing belts (we have a couple big threads about it) and I wonder if they just didn't mention hydro lock to throw more confusion that it was a build issue.

 

[Kahuna Khris]

if they replaced your engine because it hydrolocked because you were running with a trolling motor and backflowed water to your motor you should be jumping up and down with joy, that's such a easy "operator error" excuse they give to deny a warranty.

I'd also have to think there was another issue going on but again, shame on them for not explaining it to you correctly.

The 1.8 did have an issue with bad timing belts (we have a couple big threads about it) and I wonder if they just didn't mention hydro lock to throw more confusion that it was a build issue.

You are right Scott. I do feel lucky they didnt fight me and warranteed the repair for hydrolock. They sent me pics so I dont doubt the hydrolock issue. That is another reason I'm not raising a stink about them missing the loose keel bolt.

Since my boat was in the shop most of its first year I am considering this my first season and sorting out some things. My livewell motor runs but doesnt fill. I think I saw a thread about that as there is a flow valve for it under the engine cover. Will check it out. Thanks for your replies. Very informative site so far.