Loud clicking sound in outdrive

[dte33]

I have a 1992 Chaparral 1900SL with a 4.3 and Alpha One Gen 2. I was pulling a tuber this past weekend, it was fine to start then the clicking started after 10-15 minutes. It can be heard in and out of the water. Then I noticed the upper unit is leaking oil, see attachment.
I recently had the impeller and oil changed. Could it be related to that?

Any idea what the issue might be? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Rick Stephens]

Time to pull the drive, take a look at things. Drain and pressure test.

The oil is dripping onto the shift shaft, most likely from the upper gearcase output shaft seals while the drive is raised. Oil drips into the exhaust cavity and when drive is raised, puts the shift shaft directly under the leak. Would most likely drip down onto the water pump housing and run out the drain holes if the drive is down.

Also need to see how low the oil level is and how many hours it might have run while low. If was my drive, I would put the drive in down position and pull the top cap off to inspect the upper gear case gears. Low oil level immediately starts to cause damage to those gears. Your ticking noises may be directly related. Easy inspection anyway.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Put the drive 'bout 2/3rds down, 'n drain it,.....
Look for metal in the oil,.....