high-pitched grating sound in neutral- Islandia

[jababbitt]

2005 Islandia 240EFI Merc

I'll describe this as best I can, but in the interest of full disclosure... I'm a mechanical idiot. If I could easily haul the boat to my mechanic, I would.

Boat has been running problem-free in the early season, but with very little use.

After hauling it a ways and launching at the lake, noticed a new sound immediately upon launching.

There is a high-pitched whine or grating sound. At first it almost sounded like a whistle, it is so high-pitched and consistent (not like the harsh sound of grinding gears or starter).

The sound is intermittent. Sometimes it lasts for a split second, sometimes as long as 10 seconds.

It only occurs in neutral. It goes away completely and immediately when the boat is shifted into forward or reverse gear. The boat shifts easily. The engine appears to run normally.

Thanks in advance for any questions and/or advice.......

JB

 

[jababbitt]

help?!

Heading back to camp in 2 days.

Any ideas?

Anybody?

 

[jababbitt]

Resolved

In case someone ever comes across this thread due to a similar problem....

The answer was ridiculously simple.

The ignition key was sticking. After starting the boat, it would spring back from the 'start' position to the 'run' position, but not 100%.

As a result, when the boat was shifted into neutral, the starter would intermittently engage and create the grating sound.

All I have to due to prevent the problem is be sure the key is fully turned back to the middle position.

Glad it was simple, embarrassed it was stupid.............. JB

 

[kustomkarl]

If you develop starter problems in the future...you know what caused it...

Karl

 

[seadoo islander]

Seadoo Islandia ?

2005 Islandia 240EFI Merc

I'll describe this as best I can, but in the interest of full disclosure... I'm a mechanical idiot. If I could easily haul the boat to my mechanic, I would.

Boat has been running problem-free in the early season, but with very little use.

After hauling it a ways and launching at the lake, noticed a new sound immediately upon launching.

There is a high-pitched whine or grating sound. At first it almost sounded like a whistle, it is so high-pitched and consistent (not like the harsh sound of grinding gears or starter).

The sound is intermittent. Sometimes it lasts for a split second, sometimes as long as 10 seconds.

It only occurs in neutral. It goes away completely and immediately when the boat is shifted into forward or reverse gear. The boat shifts easily. The engine appears to run normally.

Thanks in advance for any questions and/or advice.......

JB

I also just purchased 05 Islandia and just checking a few things on it and maybe you could answer.
What is your max rpm and top speed?