What IS this vibration?!

[Liquid_force]

Hello -

Got the old 4.3 OMC up and running again this spring. Had it out on the Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend, and despite the ocean like water conditions it's running pretty well.

I'd just like to do some brainstorming on this ongoing vibration I'm getting.
Most noticable when slowing from 20ish to 5-10 and/or turning.

It "feels" like worn u-joints in a car, but the u-joints are 1 yr old, and have been lubricated recently. Gimbal bearing is also 1 yr old - lubricated. Engine was aligned, and drive shaft slid easily into place.

At this point can I just chalk it up to "characteristic" or "paranoia" or are there other things I should consider to get the vibration problem solved?

 

[thunder219]

Re: What IS this vibration?!

I have a 94 4.3 merc and it does the same thing. I couldnt figure it out so I took it to the boat shop. It was not the U-joints, prop shaft, gimbal bearing, prop and they aligned the engine. I told him what the previous owner said about the mech. he took it to after he bought the boat and they say some boats do that. I have talked to two other boat shops and they say the same thing. Although mine is now 13 years old and is used almost every weekend in the summers I still think there has to be a reason to why, but it runs and knock on wood hasnt left me stranded (yet). Sorry this prob. doesnt answer your question but just letting you know what I was told.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: What IS this vibration?!

"characteristic" it is I guess.

This will be our 5th season with it.
We did tear up the lwr gears a year into owning it, but I think that was more a shift adjustment problem than anything.
Otherwise it has ran great.
I guess I'll leave it at that for now.