Clicking noise-motor

[Wxguru]

Motor is a 1992 5.0LX w/ Thunderbolt IV ignition
331hrs on it

Winterized the boat this weekend and I have this intermittent clicking coming from the motor near the transom (with gear in neutral)
I noticed this the last 2 times we went out when it was sitting idle in the water and I was checking something and was close to the engine.
Is a clicking noise coming from that area possibly the drive shaft/engine coupler noise possibly?

I have a video of the sound I can upload to youtube and post here, but don't want to break any rules on posting links.
(I did not pull the lower unit as of now. In January, I will be pulling the engine and re-doing the transom and possibly stringers depending on what I find. Just winterized the engine for now to protect it as we have freezing temps now).

Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

probably U-joint or exhaust flappers

 

[JASinIL2006]

Does it make the noise in gear, too, or only in neutral?

 

[Wxguru]

Does it make the noise in gear, too, or only in neutral?

Not 100% sure. I did put it in gear F and R and didn't notice noise. Went into gear both ways very smoothly.

 

[isaacs]

If it doesn't make the noise when it's in gear, it's probably the shift cable being slightlly out of adjustment. That sound would be the clutch dog trying to engage and I'm betting it will eventually ruin it.

 

[AShipShow]

Didn't say which drive you have... my initial instinct agrees with Scott... My guess would be either ujoints or gimbal bearing. If you are winterizing, you should be pulling you're drive anyways to inspect both those items, and grease everything, and replace your impellar if its not been done in a few years.

 

[Wxguru]

Didn't say which drive you have... my initial instinct agrees with Scott... My guess would be either ujoints or gimbal bearing. If you are winterizing, you should be pulling you're drive anyways to inspect both those items, and grease everything, and replace your impellar if its not been done in a few years.

Drive is Alpha One Gen 2. I will be pulling the lower unit in January. I am going to be redoing the transom so will pull the motor. I winterized the motor to protect it until I can pull it.
I replaced impeller when I bought the boat in June of this year.
Definitely will check on all items being mentioned in the thread. I appreciate everyone's help.