1998 Malibu Sunsetter LX Transmission Noise

[GingerSkier]

Hi, all.

I recently took my boat out of storage to run on a hose. It started up fine and idled without issue for several minutes. I went to rev the engine out of gear at which point, at higher RPM, the prop started to spin and a rather alarming grinding sound came from the transmission, or so I believe. Once returned to idle, it wasn’t an issue. I couldn’t get the most accurate read on fluid level, but I’d like some advice on what might cause this and steps on out to drain existing fluid to replace. I’m not quite sure which model of transmission I have, but it looks like that model year can take three different types of oil. Which do you suggest? I’m hoping this is something as simple as low fluid level, but it may be more than this.

As a fairly new Malibu owner, thank you in advance your guidance!

[justgary]

Squirt a little dish soap on your prop shaft at the cutlass bearing, wet it with some water, and try again.  It could have been just a dry bearing making all of the noise.  The transmission may allow the prop to spin when you rev it up.  It shouldn't have a whole lot of torque, but it is enough to overcome the friction in the system.

As for changing the oil, normally you would pump out what you can and then replace that amount with new oil.

[GingerSkier]

Thank you, @justgary.

Is the cutlass bearing inside the boat leading out? Forgive my ignorance. I appreciate the help!

[justgary]

31 minutes ago, GingerSkier said:

Thank you, @justgary.

Is the cutlass bearing inside the boat leading out? Forgive my ignorance. I appreciate the help!

The cutlass bearing is in the strut under the boat, just in front of the prop.  You could also splash a few drops of water on the shaft log inside the boat, just where the shaft disappears through the hull.

[JasonK]

You're not supposed to put the boat in gear, out of the water, unless the cutlass bearing is lubricated. It will ruin the cutlass bearing if ran too long.

[GingerSkier]

@JasonK, please note the part where I state that I revved the engine out of gear, not in. 

Edited May 16 by GingerSkier