Drivetrain Noise

[SV Alfresco]

I get quite a bit of noise when motoring and never having been on another 365/367 I don't know how to quantify it. I have a 367 with a 39hp Yanmar and a ZF transmission. If I take it out of gear and rev the engine, it's pretty smooth. The v-drive and transmission were replaced with the engine about 8 years ago, just before I bought it. The v-drive did have water in it, which wasn't caught in the inspection, and I replaced the gear oil several times to get all the water out. The shaft seal is a PSS. So is shaft noise and some vibration normal? Is anyone near me that I could get a ride in your boat to get some perspective? I'm in Massachusetts and the boat is in Rhode Island.

Mike

[S/V AMITY]

  Since the V-drive had water in it the water cooler section may have a leak.  Keep checking the lube for milkiness.  Its either that or the V-drive was submerged at some point and water got in through the breather.  Noise, if only when in gear, may be water-compromised bearings in the drive.  Because of this situation, I'd also check the prop shaft and drive shaft alignments to the V-drive. Drives should be essentially silent.  Also check all securing bolts.  They should be tight. Noise means something is rattling around.

[SV Alfresco]

I replaced the cooler but probably didn't have to, it probably was under water.  Haven't had water in the oil since. I read an old post by PeteW and it seems that I'm not supposed to be getting this noise and vibration. Looks like an alignment of the prop shaft/v-drive/engine is in order. My only question is should this be done with the boat in or out of the water?

Mike

[S/V AMITY]

  Alignments should be done in the water.

  One other thing to check is the state of your cutlass bearing.  A worn bearing will cause vibration & noise.  If you are up to it, jump over the side and see if you can wiggle the prop up & down.  If there is any slop in the cutlass, you'll feel it.  My money says your cutlass is worn.

[SV Alfresco]

Thanks,
I don't have the time to do it myself so I found a guy in Newport that was highly recommended and has done lots of alignments. He talked about the cutless bearing and even though it doesn't seem to have a lot of play, it should be replaced because the rubber is hard with of age. Also said a 3 bladed prop will cause less vibration than a 2.
He starts with the prop shaft and works his way back.


Mike

[SV Alfresco]

So we went for a short sea trail with the guy that was recommended to us. Since I have never been on another 365/367, I had no perspective of what is normal. He said the vibration wasn't really that bad but showed me the prop shaft vibrating when we took it up to speed. So definitely going to replace the cutlass bearing. Also going to replace the bellows on the PSS while everything is out. He recommended a 3 blade prop. Don't know if it's worth it to go with a feathering prop. V-drive alignment will be last.

[Isleña]

Walter machine has been very responsive and helpful with my RV-10 questions.
Mine failed with salt water intrusion. Walter said to replace all bearings, seals and universal in the drive.  Took mine to a shop in El Salvador. They replaced all  but the universal.  Have no moise, but still have soam vibration. Have to realign.  Contact them at info@waltergear.com or call 2016565654.They will ask for the v drive serial number.

[S/V AMITY]

Next time you haul check the shaft to see if there is any run-out.   Cheers!