ticking from rear of motor only in the water in gear

[rossbuilders2004]

I have recently rebuilt a chevy 350 with hydraulic lifters, new cam, roller rockers had the heads machined and over-sized valve covers customized for the risers to fit around them. Runs great boat does not have the speed I thought it would, but ill get over that. It has a new gimbal bearing and I think the u-joints are in really good shape, no slop or wear at all. What is stumping me is this crazy ticking that takes place as the boat is in the water, in gear, at about 1000 rpm's, and gets louder and faster as the rpm's increase. Out of the water on muffs, or in the water in neutral it runs great. Seeing if you have an idea that I can not come up with. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

 

[alldodge]

Since it only happens in the water when in gear, I would look into the drive, might have some wear or play in the gear housing.

Did you change the gear lube and if so what did it look like?

 

[rossbuilders2004]

I did change the gear lube, it looked great. When I put my hand on the out drive when I hear the noise I would think I would be able to feel the noise, but I do not. It almost sounds like it's coming from the distributor area.

 

[Bondo]

It almost sounds like it's coming from the distributor area.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... What distributor ya got in it,..??