How to Detect A Bad Engine Coupler? [Explained]
You are familiar with drive shafts as all automobiles have them. However, it is different for boats, and we call it a coupler.
Having a bad or poorly aligned engine coupler can lead to some serious problems.
In this article, I am going to talk about the signs and symptoms of a bad engine coupler. Therefore, you can take the right steps to solve it.
What Signs Should You Look for To Catch Faulty Engine Coupler?
Sensing the smell of burnt rubber is the first sign of an engine coupler going bad. Also, too much vibration can indicate a misaligned coupler.
You may ask, why the burning rubber smell is the first sign. It is because couplers have aluminum and rubber in them.
So, in any scenario, that part can generate too much heat and burning the rubber in the process.
Now, there are some other symptoms that can help you catch an engine coupler’s problems. Let’s talk about them below.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Engine Coupler?
You don’t have to always look out for seeing the symptoms of a faulty boat engine coupler. Because they are so obvious that anyone would notice them immediately.
1. Engine overheating
I have already mentioned it above indirectly. Rubber burning only happens when the engine overheats.
When the friction among moving parts in the engine increases, it causes overheating. Both the lack of lubrication and improper alignment are responsible for it.
In extreme situations, you won’t even be able to start the engine at all.
2. Slower Speed
In case the rubber gets separated from the splined sleeve, the boat will only be able to provide idle speed for going forward or reverse.
Trying to achieve more power will result in slipped and cause smoke. Smelling burned rubber in the engine compartment is the sign for it.
You will also feel that the boat is going very slow in the highest RPM; like it is dragging a barge.
This happens when the part doesn’t have proper alignment.
3. Unusual Vibration
A common thing among boat owners is that they blame bent or clogged propellers for heavy vibration in the drive system.
But it is totally wrong. Because of the poorly aligned coupler, the propeller shaft vibrates too much causing this symptom.
How Should You React If You Detect A Bad Engine Coupler?
Unfortunately, there is no halfway when it comes to the couplers. What I mean is that you can’t repair a bad engine coupler.
So, you have to replace it immediately to prevent further damage. Here, let me describe how to do it without taking any expert help.
Align and Apply Grease
Although I have emphasized replacing the coupler, you should check its condition first.
If you see that it is an alignment issue, you can align it for smooth running.
Simply, you can take a dead blow hammer and rap gently on all sides of the coupler. It would ensure that the gimbal bearing is aligned properly.
Furthermore, look at the splines in the coupler. If you notice that they have come up to a sharp point, you can assume that it is about to go bad.
It happens due to the lack of lubrication. So, applying grease can solve it.
In case, it doesn’t solve the problem, you should follow the next step.
Replace
You have to search online with your engine model number, and see some video to take out the coupler properly.
As lots of parts need to be removed before reaching the coupler, it may take around 8 hours or so.
Those who have the time and expertise can do it themselves. Otherwise, don’t take any chances and call for a mechanic in your area.
Are Engine Couplers Expensive to Replace?
Yes, it is a costly replacement. As the service charge of a boat mechanic varies depending on the location, it is hard to tell you the exact amount.
Also, different engines with different designs make the job non-predictable. What I mean is that the accessibility to the coupler is not the same for all boats.
Now, including the cost of the replacement part, it may cost you between $800 and $1500. Some customers told that they spent 1250 dollars on the replacement.
Furthermore, you should keep in mind that a damaged coupler can cause problems to other components too. So, the expenses may change depending on the condition of the coupler-adjacent parts.
Final Thoughts
When you see any symptoms of a bad engine coupler, you have nothing else to do other than replacing it.
It doesn’t happen too often but when it does, the boat can’t run smoothly.
Also, there are risks of damaging other parts of the engine which would only increase the cost of maintenance. So, don’t wait and act swiftly.