I usually can;t hear noises in question with thru transom exhaust thru videos, but i sure can in your videos.

Not to fuel the fire because I'm usually trying to calm it over noises,,but if that was mine i believe I would be concerned. Impossible without haring it live I guess, but again, if i can hear it on video it would be much louder in person.

I can't help with much else, I've never repaired a drive.

At least your one of the few that could hear it.. Most couldn't, even mercury marine and yes it is much louder in person...Thanks

wicked noticeable in this one;
20 seconds in she's a banging good.


<iframe width="424" height="308" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eH38OOOmlLY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I definitely hear it and I agree that it's the same noise you make turning by hand with the top cap off. I would think that is excessive play but can't say for sure. Surely someone with knowledge will chime in.

Don't cone clutches rattle a bit at times ??....maybe this was talked about, I have not read this complete thread

I think this video is the most noticeable even without the exhaust covered. A lot of clanking going on. The clanking is not in beat with the cam lope

I hear it. That ain't right. I've heard them buzz/whirl/whine in the upper but never clank like that. Time to take it apart before it takes itself apart and costs you a bunch more if it takes out the tower/case.

what happens when the drive is in gear .....louder, noise goes away ?

I was just about to ask the same thing...........if it goes away in gear I'd run it. (see post 15)

Ok noise does not go away in forward or reverse or neutral...starts to go away above 1000 rpms...This is on trailer only with garden hose. The drive was torn down 4 times, new input shaft assembly seal washer nut shift linkage.preload set for 8 in lbs . everything on inside...clear gear lube shows no sign of anything..see beginning of this thread
Merc certified mechanic everything is squeaky clean.