OMC Cobra Makes Noise in Neutral

[Weekend Work]

Hi All,

I have a 1990 4.3 L Cobra on Four Winns 195 Freedom Cuddy Cabin. I just recently replaced the prop shaft oil seals and the bearings all looked just fine. When I went to the lake yesterday I could hear an odd noise when the boat was idling in neutral. The noise did not sound like grinding or clunking, but as if something was out of alignment or out of round and rubbing. When I put the boat into gear the noise appeared to go away and the boat ran fine otherwise while in gear. Shifting in and out of gear appears to be fine with no change since I bought the boat.
Any suggestions as to what this might be so I don't ruin something by not taking care of it now?

 

[jbetzelb]

Does the noise seem like it is coming from higher on the drive or down around where you worked on it? Did you pull the drive off when you repaired it? My 89 made a noise like you describe and it was the gimbel bearing. Started hearing it in neutral and eventually I heard it at speed. Replaced the gimbel and noise was gone. Maybe put some grease in that zerk and see if the noise changes or goes away.

 

[Weekend Work]

While I was on the water it was very difficult to tell where the noise was coming from. I think I will try hooking it to the ear muffs and listen with a hose to try and pin point the noise. Just as a side note, I did grease the gimbel bearing while I was doing the other work and no I didn't need to pull the drive to replace the propeller bearing carrier oil seals.

 

[bruceb58]

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you pulled the drive?

 

[Weekend Work]

I haven't pulled the drive. I have only owned the boat for a few months. When I bought it I changed the oil in both the drive and the motor and checked all other fluids. This past weekend I hooked up the muffs and ran it for about 20 minutes turning the wheel and raising and lowering the drive to try to make the noise occur again, however had no success in doing so. I am stumped.

 

[bruceb58]

When you filled the drive how did you fill it? Did you use the OMC instructions to fill it through the middle screw? More OMC Cobra drives have failed due to not following the instructions.

Have you checked gear lube since you filled it?