I have a 175 Fast Strike on my boat (I think 1996). I have done away with the VRO pump a long time ago and put in a VRO pump with no VRO (I think that is what they call it). I have been mixing my oil with gas. I recently cut the wire that went from the motor to the old oil holding pump/tank since I have not been using it and needed that space for a battery (Not sure that matter, but wanted to include).

I have noticed the last few outings there was a knocking in my motor. For sure on plane, not sure on idle.

Last time I went out I was going across the lake and the engine idled down. It started making this horrible knocking and vibrating of the motor. I was able to idle back to the ramp, but it doesn't sound good when you give it any kind of power.

https://youtu.be/FyB1DFWWkvY

See Video Above.

Question:

1. Any clue what this is?
2. Is it fixable without costing a fortune?

I live in Tyler Texas. Thanks for any help that is given.

Austin

Pull all the spark plugs and tell us how they look.

Sure doesn't sound good. Besides checking plug condition, do a compression check. You can also check cylinder condition by rotating flywheel until piston is at bottom of cylinder. Use a bright light and inspect cylinder through spark plug hole.

Plugs appear to look good!

I am not a mechanic just don't want to throw a chunk of money at a big problem.

What could possible Issues be?

Sounds silly but I've seen this before. Its not the motor, its the lower unit. Check the oil first. Look for chunks of metal. As last resort drop the lower unit and star motor without it and see if knocking is gone.

Yes.

I could not get the bottom screw off but I did remover the top screw and you can see the metal on the screen and on the paper.

If those clumps are whats supposed to be gearcase oil then you may have found your problem. The video was a dead giveaway. A friend just had the same issue with his HDPI and sounded identical.

So I just need to change the oil or replace the lower Unit?

Going to have to replace or have rebuilt.

I may sell my Lower Unit instead of rebuilding my blown 175.
Text me your # 972 841 three two seven 8

I have a ready to bolt on one with zero issues, make offer....
972 841 3278

What year model?

1994 text for faster response. 9728413278