You need to talk to George at All American Drive Service. He rebuilt my drive after a major failure for the same price as the parts alone would have cost me. Best part is he upgraded the whole upper and gave me a 24 month warranty.

Good to know. I'm originally from Cadillac MI. Wish I was still there when it comes to issues like this. I'm in New Mexico now and our marine/boating resources are extremely limited. Hate to pay shipping for something I can do and would like to learn myself.

Update, had an opportunity to take the boat out last weekend. Decided to change the fluid even though it was merc synthetic and was pretty new. Didn't find any meta on the magnets and the fluid came out clean. Changed it to Redline Shockproof Heavy and holy crap. the drive shifts better than new...

Didn't know it was possible that just oil could do this but I'm thrilled. Going from "this junk has to get rebuilt" to "works better than new" with just a fluid change!!!

I wouldn't believe it if someone told me but now I'm a believer in Redline oil. Just though I'd pass it along. Thanks OSO.