Mercury 50Hp/2 stroke squeal

[amberjak]

I have a 2001 50HP Mercury two stroke that has recently acquired a squealing noise. The noise is intermittent and most noticeable at idle. Slightly changing RPM higher/lower will temporarily eliminate or change pitch of the squeal. The squeal does not appear to be coming from the Power Head but more from the mid-housing area. Has anyone encountered this problem? My first inclination was to consider a possible water pump impellor or driveshaft bearing in the lower unit. I have never had the unit apart so don't really know what to look for. Thanks for your input.
Jack

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Mercury 50Hp/2 stroke squeal

Jack - have you checked the condition of gear oil in the lower unit? A milky appearance indicates water intrusion (bad seals) and metal flakes on the plug would indicate excessive wear on the gears. I heard a similar "shrieking" noise in my lower unit right before it shredded the gearbox. Richard