I have a 1982 Sea Ray SRV 190 with a 1986 Mercruiser 3.0L from a 1986 Boat and a Alpha One Outdrive. The last time I took the boat out I noticed a slight whining noise from the outdrive both while idling and slightly louder when the boat is in gear, both forward and reverse. I definitely believe that the noise is coming from the outdrive as when I lean over the transom, I can hear it quite loud. I changed the oil in the outdrive and noticed a small amount of water in the oil, which I attributed to a small tear in the outdrive gasket found when I removed the drive. I verified engine alignment (small adjestment needed), and put the drive back on, with a new gasket set. I filled with oil and took back out on the water tonight, the noise is still there. It definitely sounds like it is coming from the upper, I removed the top case and peeked inside, didnt see any wear on the two gears, but on turning the upper cover bearing, I noticed a good amount of play, if I squeeze on the bearing and move it, I can tell that the bearings are not touching and it moves up and down in the retainer quite a bit. I know this bearing rides in a race, but has anyone else seen this bearing with so much slop? Could this be the cause? The race looks smooth, no signs of wear, and the bearings have a slight discoloration, but nothing that looks like wear. Not sure where to turn on this?
