Vibration while underway

[burtonrider11]

After spending a lot of time researching and hands on work, I finally have our Starcraft 2010SS/5.7/A1G2 starting and running wonderfully. My only issue now is I am sensing more vibration while underway in no wake zones than I remember last year. Typically from about 1200-1500 RPM. I don't notice much if any while on plane regardless of mph or RPM. This was our first time out since last year. I did nothing to drive other than remove the prop, grease zerk fittings and store all the way lowered. Engine idles smoothly when on muffs in the driveway, so I don't believe it to be an engine issue, although, perhaps it wouldn't be bad to check the motor mounts?

I did add smart tabs (which work AWESOME by the way) and I can't imagine these would add to the vibration. The only other thing I think it may be (aside from something internal to the drive) is that the prop has an older hub kit that doesn't seem to going together like it should IE I don't have the screw on part hitting the threads on the hub. Current prop is an Apollo 14 X 22 4 blade. I am going to try to swap props with a new hub kit and 3 blade Turbo 21 next time out.

There is no chatter from the drive regardless of steering or trim direction. Everything shifts smoothly and accelerates nicely. The vibration isn't terrible, maybe 3-4 out of 10, 0 being no vibration, 10 being teeth rattling. But it was enough that my wife noticed it and I did too. The boat has always had a slight vibration at these speeds/rpms, it's just a tad more noticeable now....

Just want to nip anything in the bud prior to it becoming catastrophic....Anything I should check and/or lubricate? U-joints? Gimbal? I've never pulled the drive, but I am working up to it eventually.....The drive probably needs a new impeller and simple service in the near future....

I appreciate any advice.

 

[Rick Stephens]

In my opinion (which is worth what it costs you), your drive should be pulled annually as part of your maintenance, either when you winterize, which is when I do it so if there is water anywhere it shouldn't be I don't leave it sit, rusting, over the winter, or when you prep for the season. Not necessary to do impellers but every several years on a Gen2, but changing the lube, greasing the CV Joint, inspecting the bellows and gimbal, all should be done every year. No way to know what is happening in there without that.

Pulling the outdrive is literally a 15 minute job. You need at minimum a bell housing gasket set. Alignment bar also.

 

[burtonrider11]

Thanks Rick, these are great points. Pulling the drive IS going to be a part of the annual maintenance moving forward for sure. I'll probably pull it off all winter actually (the boat is stored indoors). I am fairly mechanically inclined, no excuses for not doing it other than fear of not being able to put it back together correctly

I am going to run it one more time with new prop set, if nothing changes, I'll pull the drive and take a look everything. I'll be sure to post pictures so people can tell me if anything more major needs to be done.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I've never used that prop, so no idea really of what you speak. I do love having a set of Smart Tabs though. They are amazing. Good luck on your test ride.

 

[H20Rat]

I'll probably pull it off all winter actually (the boat is stored indoors).

Everyone has their opinion, but mine is that the best place to store a drive is connected to the transom! There was just someone on here asking how to clean a layer of dust and dirt off the drive u-joint and shaft after storing it in the garage all winter. Pull it, inspect, fix, and put it back where it belongs. Far less change of damage, dirt, or a critter setting up shop in your gimbal bearing.

 

[burtonrider11]

Everyone has their opinion, but mine is that the best place to store a drive is connected to the transom! There was just someone on here asking how to clean a layer of dust and dirt off the drive u-joint and shaft after storing it in the garage all winter. Pull it, inspect, fix, and put it back where it belongs. Far less change of damage, dirt, or a critter setting up shop in your gimbal bearing.

Wow, that's actually a good point I didn't even think of....I think that's probably a better idea. I would like to repaint the drive at some point, so that may be my only exception....

Also, I went home at lunch to look at the prop again and there is just a little side to side slop in it. This could easily explain the vibration. I understand there is some allowance regarding fore and aft play, however, I don't think the hub kit is configured correctly. I'll swap props this weekend to see if the slop goes away. If it does, I would expect (hope! ) the vibration to go away also....

Either way, I'll be getting the drive pulled soon to do some inspecting and lubing the CV joints along with impeller service. I'll flush the drive lube at that time also.

Thanks for the advice all!

 

[NHGuy]

If you push forward on the prop and the play is still there get the hub sorted.
The prop and shaft need to be a solid assembly.

 

[Bondo]

The only other thing I think it may be (aside from something internal to the drive) is that the prop has an older hub kit that doesn't seem to going together like it should IE I don't have the screw on part hitting the threads on the hub.

Ayuh,..... I ain't sure what that means, but it's the #1 suspect for yer vibration to me,....