new boat owner help - loud squeal

[itsonlywater]

I bought a 99 Sunsetter a couple of weeks ago and have been out on the lake a few times with no issues at all. Yesterday, after being out on the lake for about 30 min just puttering around I put the throttle down and a very loud squeal came from the engine compartment. The squeal didn't occur at idle and didn't occur at higher speeds....more during accelation. It was also fairly intermittent, sometimes it would happen, sometimes it wouldn't. Any thoughts on what this could be or suggestions on what to look for? My thought is that the belt just may to be tightened (looks fairly new). Like I said before, I just bought the boat and am new to inboard motors.

[Swampy]

I had a similar squeal on an 02 response that ended when the impeller finally gave up. You might try changing the impeller if you haven't already. Otherwise, it could just be a loose belt.

[srab]

I had a similar squeal on an 02 response that ended when the impeller finally gave up. You might try changing the impeller if you haven't already. Otherwise, it could just be a loose belt.

Yep, first thing I'd check would be the belt. If the tension on it is fine and it looks to be in good condition,

then I'd start looking for other sources. Impeller would be next on the list.

[Sandbagger]

Maybe get some belt spray or try a water bottle and lightly mist the belt at idle and then see if the squeal gos away, a temproary fix that might isolate the problem, if it is the belt the premanant fix would be to tighten or perhaps replace the belt.

[Soon2BV]

i had the same problem on a Mercruised I/O. It was the bearing on the water circulating pump.

Replaced the water pump and problem went away.

This is not the rubber impeller that pulls in lake water, but the circulating pump mounted on the front of the block, where a fan would go on an automotive installation.

[itsonlywater]

I seem to remember the seller saying that he hadn't replaced the impeller this year. I'll probably go ahead and replace the impeller and tighten the belt and see what happens. I just don't want to risk doing anything to the boat because of my own ignorance.

[mlange]

If it is the belt it would be pretty easy to confirm it with the engine hatch open.