OMC cobra drive shaft noise

[catfish hunter]

I have a 1989 four winns with a omc 3.0l cobra. I pulled the drive off today to inspect the bellows for leaks. After checking eveything I move to inspect the stern. I went to turn the drive shaft to look over the u-joint and as i turned the shaft I could hear a noise almost like a rubber sound coming from the shaft. It was also hard to turn. It was not like that a month ago when I had the drive off. I have had it in the water once and it did great. The only thing this past winter I did to the drive it self was change the oil. I checked the level and it was still full. I didnt know if this was something I should worry about. I was wanting to take the boat out this weekend but now im thinking I may have to wait.
Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: OMC cobra drive shaft noise

A dry impeller would make that noise

 

[catfish hunter]

Re: OMC cobra drive shaft noise

lol..... Now that I think of it, the impeller was out when I turned it over this past winter. Wow.... good call.
Thanks

 

[Juniinc]

Re: OMC cobra drive shaft noise

did you grease the u-joint , gimbal bearing?

 

[catfish hunter]

Re: OMC cobra drive shaft noise

ya it has new u-joints and bearing. Greased them good before reinstalling the drive.