Port Engines makes "shuttering" noise

[rybad]

OK, I almost didnt post this but just looking for support of my theory.

Two seasons ago, I boat a new-used outdrive (OMC Cobra 5.7, 1989). I could not get it installed, alignment seemed off. I had a local marine shop install it. I had a short season that year due to other issues.

Last season, (towards the end of the season) I started to notice a slight shuttering sound. This seanson its much worse. I'm hoping this sounds like an alignment issue.. Im thinking that the marine shop didnt align my engine/drive, they just forced it on. I did not have much water in that bellow the last time I took it off, and the gimbal bearing seemed to be good.

However, I cant remember if I greased the gimbal bearings before launch this year. Can I grease the GB while my boat is in the water? This fitting is below the water line?

I plan to take it to another marine shop in the next week or so, to have the alighment done, unless someone has another suggestion

Thanks guys.

-rybad

P.S.: The gear oil came out very clean on both drives, no shavings or water.
Also, this shuttering sound is present while in gear or nuteral.

[HT32BSX115]

Also, this shuttering sound is present while in gear or nuteral.

Howdy,


That points to the U-joints and/or gimbal bearing. The drive shaft is always turning in or out of gear.

It's possible that they didn't align it. If it's far enough out of alignment, it won't be long before the coupler fails.
When that happens, you're stranded (if single engine) and the drive and engine must be removed to replace it.

[rybad]

I have twin engines, but still dont want to waste what little Summer I get in Michigan changing the coupler. If the coupler is failing due to this issue, would I notice anything in the bildge, like black residue or anything indicating that its wearing? I'm guessing new U-Joints, gimbal bearing, bellow kit (hopefully no shaft) is what I' looking at?

Also, anyone have any thoughts about greasing that gimbal bearing while in the water with the Zerk fitting under water?

[HT32BSX115]

If the coupler is failing due to this issue, would I notice anything in the bildge, like black residue or anything indicating that its wearing? I'm guessing new U-Joints, gimbal bearing, bellow kit (hopefully no shaft) is what I' looking at?

Also, anyone have any thoughts about greasing that gimbal bearing while in the water with the Zerk fitting under water?

If the coupler fails, it will happen pretty much "all at once" THEN you'll notice "black residue" if the rubber part fails or metal powder if the aluminum inner splines fail.

If the shuddering is sounds different when you turn left or right, it points to a failing gimbal bearing or U-joints.

Mercruiser recommends pulling drives and checking alignment as yearly maintenance. So if the drives come off, alignment is checked before the drives go back on. (It's a 5 min job to stuff an alignment tool in there unless adjustment is required.)

I think you could easily pump a couple of strokes of grease under water if you want to . I also think you could forget to grease a gimbal bearing one year and never know the difference.

P.S.: The gear oil came out very clean on both drives, no shavings or water.
Also, this shuttering sound is present while in gear or nuteral.

I have to ask.......you did fill the drives in exactly accordance with the OMC service manual?