2004 90hp 4str just started ticking and clicking.

[eager25]

OK so I just bought the boat. First time in the water, ran awesome for first half hour. Ran into some shallow water turned up a little mud but nothing out of the ordinary. Got through the shallow and went about 1/4 mile upriver when it felt like I hit a board or something. It killed the motor. After that all I could do was idle speed. Anything more would create a rattling noise and kill the motor. The rattling sounds kinda like a couple pebbles in a tin can. It makes the noise whether in gear or not. It rattles at idle speed as well but not as noticeably.

I hope this isn't going to cost a fortune. Any insight would be appreciated. I am by no means a outboard mechanic.

[boats.net]

Did the propeller look like it hit something?

[eager25]

A far as I could tell no. It looked fine. Pretty. deep water where it clunked.

[eager25]

okay so I pulled out the plugs on the lower unit and it seem to be clear running out of the bottom 1 I saw some gunk behind the top screw.nothing was stuck to the magnetic screw, but I put a small screwdriver in the hole and it came out with some gunk and what appeared to be shavings. so I pretty much wrecked the lower unit?

[eager25]

so now I have had the lower unit checked by a boat guy he said that it seems fine engine seems fine, spins clean in neutral not running and locks tight when I engage the trans. If I ease into the throttle it runs fine up to 3000 rpm . above 3000 rpm it makes a screeching sound of sorts whenever it feels like it, not consistently. Occasionally it makes a sort of squeaking sound. Could I have a bearing going out somewhere?

[eager25]

Mow I've changed the oil in the lower unit and it is grey with shavings. How much is this going to cost me?

[boats.net]

Sounds like you will need to repair or replace the lower unit. What is the model number from your engine?

[eager25]

J90PX4SR

I'm just hoping some of it is able to be salvaged

[boats.net]

Here is parts listing, number 0 is complete gearcase assemble, 2004 J90PXSRS Evinrude / Johnson Johnson Outboard GEARCASE - PX - WPL MODELS Diagram and Parts