4.3 GM Alpha1 Grinding in drive area even in neutral.

[thompmik]

Here's what I know. I was cruising at about 3200rpm when suddenly grinding noise started somewhere in the drive unit. I dropped into neutral and the grinding noise continued. Tilt was down, trim was level. I turned off the engine. I found significant grease/oil (not sure which one) it looks a little green but its pretty dark like it is old. Bilge had been dry in the morning. Outdrive gear lube had been changed two weeks earlier. Sounds like my upper drive but wanted some advice on where to start. Things to check. <br /> Thanks,<br /><br />Boat is 20' Maxum 1992. 4.3 GM engine, Drive is Alpha 1. Can't be sure of year of drive and engine as I just bought this boat used last fall.

 

[nightride]

Re: 4.3 GM Alpha1 Grinding in drive area even in neutral.

Hi sounds like the gimbal bearing making the noise if its doing it out of gear

 

[Monte Cryts]

Re: 4.3 GM Alpha1 Grinding in drive area even in neutral.

Try to grease the gimble with a grease gun and see if the noise changes.

 

[thompmik]

Re: 4.3 GM Alpha1 Grinding in drive area even in neutral.

Sorry for the delay. I was moving into a new house. Thanks for the tips. I greased the gimbal. Still had the same sound. Wanting to get on the water and not spend all summer learing my drive I took it to the mechanic.<br />Pretty much the whold upper drive unit is hosed. The gears are chipped, the retainer is broken, there is even a roller in the bearing that is in there horizontal now. Not sure what happened but I'm sure it will be $2000 when its fixed. <br />Thanks for the responses though.