Knocking in lower unit. HELP!!!!

[Matt G]

I ran my boat this weekend and I noticed that when shifting into forward and reverse it would make a grinding sound. Reverse wasn't too bad but forward was horrible. When I would start to take off it had a knocking sound in the lower unit. It would only knock a few times than stop once it plained out. I know I'm going to have to take it in, but I was wondering if anybody has any ideas of what it could be and about how much am I looking at spending to fix it. The motor is a '95 Merc Black Max 135. Thanks for any info.

[Gerald]

Hate to say it, but sounds like a gear is going out.

Check the lower unit oil. Most engines have a magnet on the end of the bottom drain screw. Check the magnet for metal shavings.

[1234567]

Your gears have grinded out.

sounds like a lower unit rebuild. Or a new motor if it is a 95'.

[mstulb]

Just had to replace my lower unit 1K for a new one and installation.
Bust. Out. Another. Thousand BOAT truly stands for.

[phiboyy13]

check for a bent shaft..

[Matt G]

Well that just made my bad day worse . I only spent $2,000 for the boat and motor and have been using it for the past 2 1/2 years. I don't think dropping anymore money in it will be justified. I'll be better off looking for a decent used motor. Maybe a 4 stroke to save on gas cause that sucker runs through 60 gallons fast!!!