Small knocking noise in engine.

[redbay 5.1]

I have a 2002 75hp Mariner outboard engine on my rib which got caught on a rope from some lobster pots. This nearly stopped the boat dead in the water but it released again and it d'idnt wrap around the prop to best of my knowledge. After this a small knocking noise developed in the engine. More like a loud ticking noise. This is present when the engine is in neutral and in forward and reverse and increases and decreases according to reeves.
Just wondering what damage this may have caused.
Any help much appreciated.

[wolfie]

could have chipped a tooth in the gearbox, its a strip down job to check it out

[willk]

Have to say - that doesn't sound too healthy. Those pots are a curse!

Welcome to RIBnet, btw, nice boat! I'm fairly local to you, probably see you about on the water.

[matt h]

as said above ...does sound like a chipped or tooth been knocked off, check the gear oil for clues. if so a relatively easy repair

[redbay 5.1]

Hi Folks,

Many thanks for your time and suggestions. Much appreciated by this novice to RIBnet! Will be leaving my boat in this weekend with mechanic. Will come back and tell you how it goes.

Again many thanks.

[Peter_C]

A stethoscope should tell where the noise is emanating from (think screwdriver shoved into your ear). Is it upper or lower end? Is it full speed, or half speed? 2 stroke or 4 stroke?

Of course the mechanic can probably just fix it for you.