Chirping sound when in gear at low RPM

[linz1]

I have an Islander Bahama 30 with a Volvo Penta MD7 engine. I've noticed that I hear a chirping sound after it is warmed up and I'm in gear at low RMPs, usually when returning from a sail. I don't hear it when running above 1000 RPMs and it only happens at the end of a sail when I'm returning to the slip and things are warmed up. If I put it in neutral, the chirping stops. If I'm in reverse, it stops. Any thoughts?

 

[Chris Patterson]

My first thought is fluid. Have you checked it? Changed it recently?
A lot of things are occurring in the gearbox. In retreat, it's more or less using different cogs than forward. And I wonder of you sail with it in forward, reverse, or neutral. If the transmission is in neutral, it could be, (and probably is), freewheeling, causing a lack of lubrication that would otherwise be contrary to having the boat under power. But the noise you describe sounds like a dry bushing.
This is only a guess of course, hard to diagnose from description..

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Bet it's the clutch plate

 

[BobT]

My cutless bearing 'chirps' at lower rpms, but it's generally noticeable starting out, not so much after a run. Packing gland a bit tight and warm after some run time? Might need to find a way to listen closely to different components while underway.

 

[RAD]

Its the packing at the stuffing box.....had the exact same problem a few years back, I replaced the packing and all is good

 

[berner73]

We have a PSS shaft seal and it's made a similar sound a couple of times. Once I burp it, the chirp goes away (there is a vent line installed).

 

[linz1]

Chirping sound

Thanks for the feedback. Will check on the packing when hauled out this week.

 

[linz1]

My first thought is fluid. Have you checked it? Changed it recently?
A lot of things are occurring in the gearbox. In retreat, it's more or less using different cogs than forward. And I wonder of you sail with it in forward, reverse, or neutral. If the transmission is in neutral, it could be, (and probably is), freewheeling, causing a lack of lubrication that would otherwise be contrary to having the boat under power. But the noise you describe sounds like a dry bushing.
This is only a guess of course, hard to diagnose from description..

Yes, checked the fluid in the reverse gear and it is fine. I've been watching this area in particular because I previously had a slow leak that has since been repaired.

 

[linz1]

Hmm, I'll have that checked out. Thanks.

 

[linz1]

Bet it's the clutch plate

I'll have the clutch plate checked out. Thanks.