8.2L 380 Knocking Noise

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PugetHound

New Member
Aug 2, 2022
19
Boat Info
2022 SLX 280
Engines
Mercruiser 8.2 MAG ECT w/ Bravo III X
Our SLX 280 today suddenly started making an odd noise. Sounded like knocking at first, but continually grew louder after. See video for reference (I didn’t take the video so don’t blame me for the crappiness plz). The recurring thump is much more noticeable in person than it is in the video. It’s actually loud enough that nearby boats could hear it. Happens both in gear and in neutral.

It was purchased last year, and only has 133 hours on it, so it’s still under warranty, but our main concern is if it’s ok to continue using until we can get it serviced, as this is the largest boating weekend in our area (I’m assuming no).

As the title states, this is the 8.2L V8 380 hp. Anyone have any guesses what this could be while we wait for our local shop to open Monday?


Thank you!
 
Ordinarily I would suggest troubleshooting and starting with running with the belt off, that lets you know if it is internal to the engine or an accessory, alternator, water pump etc. BUT, given this boat is so new and still under warranty, my advice is to wait it out and let the dealer look at it. I know you hate to miss a boating weekend, but you would hate it worse if you try anything yourself and somehow void a warranty repair -- especially if it is serious.
 
ttmott said:
That does not sound good at all. I wouldn't continue to use the boat until it gets serviced. Definitely a warrantee service item that the dealer needs to address.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick reply. Having listened to it a bit more, it sounds like the thunk is coming from the stern end of the engine and not inside the block. Thinking maybe somewhere in the vicinity of where the engine shaft couples to the lower unit.

Agreed that we’re not gonna risk doing any more damage and won’t be running it until the dealer can inspect it.
 
Was the drive trimmed all the way up during this?

But, yes, let it get checked out. As noted, you don't want to make it worse and get denied warranty.
 
Lazy Daze said:
Was the drive trimmed all the way up during this?

But, yes, let it get checked out. As noted, you don't want to make it worse and get denied warranty.
Click to expand...

No, it was trimmed down, but we did test trimming it up to see if that made a difference in the sound. It didn’t really seem to have an effect.
 
Please keep us posted
Like to know what it is
 
Scott215 said:
Please keep us posted
Like to know what it is
Click to expand...

Dealer says they can’t get it in until the end of the month, unfortunately. I’ll post back here once I know more.
 
Also, if anyone has a recommendation for a mechanic in the Seattle area that might be able to inspect it sooner than that, please let me know!
 
UPDATE: Got it into the dealer. They said when they opened up the gearbox it was full of metal fragments. They are doing a full engine replacement (under warranty).

Definitely interested to get some additional information, but haven’t been overly concerned on those details just yet since Sea Ray is covering all the costs.
 
PugetHound said:
UPDATE: Got it into the dealer. They said when they opened up the gearbox it was full of metal fragments. They are doing a full engine replacement (under warranty).

Definitely interested to get some additional information, but haven’t been overly concerned on those details just yet since Sea Ray is covering all the costs.
Click to expand...
I'm a little confused - by "gearbox" do you mean outdrive? The engine replacement threw me.
 
boatrboy said:
I'm a little confused - by "gearbox" do you mean outdrive? The engine replacement threw me.
Click to expand...
Me too. Those are the exact words they used, but my assumption is he meant outdrive. (I did repeat back to him “full engine replacement” and he said “yes,” however.) The guy I spoke to wasn’t a tech so I would guess he’s just trying to decipher and pass on the service notes. I’ll know more soon.
 
Could you please name the dealer if not the individuals you are dealing with?
 
Good reputation. Probably very busy now. My marina sent out a hauling and winterizing flyer. The slips are being vacated. I hope you are not in a rush but they should fix you up in due course.
 
Arminius said:
Good reputation. Probably very busy now. My marina sent out a hauling and winterizing flyer. The slips are being vacated. I hope you are not in a rush but they should fix you up in due course.
Click to expand...
Yeah so far all they’ve done is the diagnosis and ordered the parts, but said it should be completed in about 2 weeks (also hitting a few other items while it’s in there). My main concern was that it would be covered by warranty and it is, so I haven’t really pushed for details yet.

Incidentally, I’m looking for a spot with dry storage for the winter, but Im without a trailer so I need a place with haulout capability. The couple places I’ve tried are already booked up. Any recommendations on places that might have availability?
 
I suggest you get a trailer. There are trailers on Craigs list if you watch it. I thought there was a trailer company to the north. It would be nice if you could get a trailer set up for your boat, roller if you are going to launch and retrieve. Frankly, Union Marine would be best for a boat under warranty. I was on the wait list for dry storage at North Shore for a couple years and never moved from #250 or so. There are offers for dry storage of boats on trailers from the surrounding area frequently once you have it on the trailer. Good luck.
 
Seattle Watersports has a a large fenced storage area for boats on trailers. Do you make the bows?What happens when they collapse under the freak snowstorm? They would have answers.

6820 NE 175TH ST
KENMORE, WA 98028
CALL TODAY! 1-888-481-2754​

 
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