Was going out today for one last fall ride. Backed the boat in started the engine after just a few minutes a loud metal to metal squeal started. Shut it down got back in the engine bay had the wife start it just after a minute or two the noise starts. Sounds like the starter is staying engaed but it takes a couple of minutes for it to start making the noise. Could this be the drive coupler? Boat ran fine last weekend.

Thanks

Just pulled the starter. No signs of abnormal wear , selonoid works fine, starter turns with no problems or noise, fly wheel looks great.

It may be a long shot but I had my alternator seize up and it made a heck of a metal to metal squeal. Good luck and I hope it is an easy fix.

Well I guess I have a gremlin. Put the starter back on. Started it on the hose no noise. Took it back to the ramp let it run about 15 minutes on the trailer no noise. The only thing I changed was one wire end that attached to the starter it was very thin and ready to break.

Check the alternator if the bearing is bad sometimes the the fins on the pulley rub on the case causing a god awful metal noise .

sounds like could be gimble bearing as well....

Thanks for the idea's
I checked all of the belt driven components nothing found. The sound was coming from the back of the engine area just could not tell exactly where and did not want to run it very long. It would take several minutes for it to start making the noise. I will be pulling the drive before I winterize it which will be soon looking at the local weather.

I'd be looking at the gimble bearing

[QUOTE=MILD THUNDER;4011230]I'd be looking at the gimble bearing[/QUOTE
Yes I will.
It's low hours, but I always pull the drive and check the u joints and boots before I winterize.

gimble bearing can make a god awful noise when they take a chit.