Boat makes a screeching sound when placed in neutral. 230 merc cruiser IO. burnt plastic smell?

Question

I noticed some play in the ignition assembly when turning the key. The boat was able to go in forward and reverse but I didn't push it because I smelled something like melting plastic...no smoke or anything.

Answer 1

Good question.  The play in the ign switch might be normal, but then again maybe not.  There is a nut on the switch which has a flat spot to hold it in place, so you can tighten it.  Some switches have a nut on the back side that you have to tighten. (Depending on the boat).  Now, check to see if any wires have twisted or otherwise crossed.  The gear shift would be unaffected by an electrical problem...... Please check out this problem before you attempt to use the boat again.  An electrical fire could be desasterous if your underway.  If  you can't find the problem your self, have a compentant mechanic check out the electrical system.    As for the screeching sound, thats another problem.... I'd need more details.  It's not normal.

Answer 2

I can not exactly pin point the screeching sound you are talking about but i can give you a few possible causes, first one being your gimble bearing. Have you ever greased it? There should be a grease fitting on the starboard side close to the transom on your outdrive if im not mistaken. Take a grease gun and pump some marine grease into the fitting. A few good pumps will be sufficient. If this does not stop the screech then the gimble bearing may need to be replaced, about a $150 repair cost at a marine repair shop. This needs to be done every six or seven seasons anyways. Another more serious possibility may be a cracked flex-plate or engine coupler. Try to pinpoint the sound...if it is coming from behind the motor close to the transom a cracked flex plate or engine coupler is more than likely your screeching sound. This is a costly repair involving the removal of the engine and the outdrive. Expect to pay $500-800 for this repair. The reason you hear the sound while the boat is in neutral is because in a boat the drive shaft is spinning all the time while the engine is running. The gimble bearing is what supports this shaft as it runs through the transom. The flex-plate is that compared to a flywheel on a car and the engine coupler is what connects the drive shaft to the engine via the flexplate. Hope I have helped you in some way and have not rambled on too much. Happy Boating!