Shaft Noise?

[Tim]

Every so often as I am motoring I get a squealing noise coming from directly underneath the wheel where I am standing. The noise comes and goes and does not change pitch when I speed the engine up or down but it will disappear when I put it in neutral. It also happens in reverse but less frequntly. I've stuck my head down by the engine and the packing gland but the noise is not coming from there. I know there is a shaft bearing before the propeller could this be the culpret. If so, what do you do next?Any help?Thanks,Tim

 

[Larry]

Squealing shaft

Tim; The shaft log may need to be repacked or the cutlass bearing replaced. Repack the log first since it can be done in the water. If that cures it, your golden; you might be able to get a diver to pull the prop and the cutlass bearing, but if it's really stuck, you may have to haul out. While your out, inspect/replace the rudder packing, too.

 

[Andre Michel]

squealing accessory drive on atomic 4

I had squealing coming from what seemed like the shaft but turned out to be the accessory drive on my atomic 4

 

[Steve Ray]

Maybe Have the Right Answer

Tim, this noise sounds like the cutless bearing is worn. The bearing itself is made of a bronze outer diameter with a rubber core which is pressed into a mount aft of the area where the shaft goes through the stuffing box. Had a friend that had a simular problem on his hunter. The only way to actually check for this is to have the boat hauled. While it is in the cradle, grab the shaft and push it side to side/up and down. If the bearing is worn it will be obvious. One can replace it or have it replaced. Hope this helps you.