noisy outdrive

[cattelona]

hi all,
one of the two volvo 200 outdrive makes a slight rattle when engine is ticking over also but to a lesser degree when in gear noise disapears when i increase the revs , I bought the boat 18 months ago and was told the legs had both been rebuilt & checked ? anyone have any ideas.
many thanks
nick

[gonzo]

It can be gears or a loose bushing or bearing.
Also, it could be a u-joint

[CDK]

Could it be that the noise does not really disappear but gets lost between other noises when you increase the rpm?
To quickly find out if it originates from an u-joint, turn the outdrive from left to right at idle rpm. If the noise doesn't change substantially, the problem is in the lower gear case.

Unscrew the bottom plug a few turns and see what comes out: water, milk, oil with metal scrapings etc. If it is just clean gear oil and the level seems OK, accept the noise for this boating season.

[cattelona]

hi Gonzo,
thanks for your reply , I have checked u-joint im pretty sure its ok no play in any direction, the sound is from the top of the leg, I am going to have a go at it today and will let you know if i find anything like the bearings or gears worn.
many thanks
Nick

[cattelona]

Hi CDK,
Thanks for reply, oil is good no bits in it noise same with leg in any direction sound is at the top of the leg , I am having a look today will let you know what I find.
Many thanks
Nick