Have a '96 Mercruiser 3.0LX with Alpha One Gen II. Have a constant ticking sound in back end of motor area. Ticks at all RPMs. Volume and tone does not change. Head has been re-done, push rods and lifters OK, not valve train but basically sounds like rocker / lifter tick. Best guess is loose flywheel bolt or bad wrist pin. So, pulling motor to investigate. Was going to try and pull motor and leave outdrive until reading all the posts hear that say don't waist the time... do it right. My question is: Can I run the motor with the out drive off? I'll rig up a water hose somehow. My concern is in the back end area. Will anything fly apart inside the bell housing? Want to do this to investigate further the ticking sound before pulling motor and also verify fixed once re-installed. Also does anyone rent the "Alignment Tool"? Any input/ideas about what is causing the ticking is welcome. The manifold and riser have also been machined. Not an exhaust leak. New fuel pump. Runs perfect. The boat is new to me so don't know the situation that caused the sound to start.<br /><br />Thanks in advance!