First time on water = problems {VIDEO ADDED}

Ok fellas,first time on the water since stringer replacement,dropped the boat in and set timing to 30* at 3000 rpm (new dist).I left the ramp and idled for a bit and noticed first problem,exhaust leak at choke block off,easy fix.Next noticed shaft seal dripping at more than a drip a second,easy fix.Now for the major problem,accelerate to 20 mph and back off and here came this hellacious growl from the rear of the boat,worsens if brought down from higher speeds.I pulled the boat out checked cutlass bearing, I do have vertical play but didnt have this problem before repairs.What gives? Did me realigning shaft amplify this problem or what. I can spin the prop by hand moderatly and get a 3/4 turn of coast out of it.And another thing which I dont know if its a problem or not but it seems this motor is going to spin this new prop to 4900 rpm possibly more.(acme 1210)Old prop was a federal 12x15,it was turning 4650/4700. I dont understand as this problem wasnt here before.Maybe the bigger prop and fresh alignment amplified things,what you all think?

TX.Cutlass showed no play before teardown for stringers,I have never seen one worn to the point of needing replacing so I figured it was ok by the lack of play. So no it was left as is and not replaced.

To clarify I have never seen a worn out cutlass to see the difference from new.I left the old one becuase of this and the fact it had no play prior to stringer replacement.

Mark there is roughly a 1/2". I havent measured with anything other than my finger fitting between the hull/prop.

Tim, no GPS yet.This growling had me concerned to the point of making a bee line to the ramp. It is very loud,to the point of being able to hear it 30' from the dock decelerating.There was no access panel and absolutely no carpet or interior during the run so this could of made it sound louder.

I definatly dont have one inch,very close to a half inch with 3/8" strut to prop clearance

TRBenj wrote: If you weren't aligned before, then the shaft would have been binding in the strut to the point where it felt tight. Now that you're aligned, it may be flopping around in there and causing the growl.

My exact thoughts. Time for a new cutlass. You shouldn't have the play you are feeling.

Well, I guess my next move will be a phone call to skidim tomm for new strut bushingsand packing.I think Ill be going the strut removal route as I dont want to mess with the coupler.My luck if I do it that way a double taper shaft might wind up in my future.I guess Ill order the plastic ones,dont know the correct term for them right now,but you all know which ones im talking about.I hope lining this thing for the second time goes as well as it did the first time.This is dissapointing after all the work Ive done thuss far.

SNobsessed,is that statement indicating there may be more to come? I sure hope not!What else could go wrong? Never mind,I dont think I want to know!Damn near everything is new!Anyway I was hoping not to have any shaft related issues.From the flange back just seems to be a pain in the a$$ to me for some reason.

So if I go with the more common rubber cutlass bearing,and order the packing from Jamestown also, does this look to be what I need? Tim was it you that used the plastic style? Any reason why?

Qty     Unit of
Measure     Item Description           Ext Price

     
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JDU-BACK BEARING A 1" X B 1-1/4" X C 4"

Unit Price:       $52.05 ea
Availability:       1 In Stock
$52.05

     

WPT-10242 Graphtex Ultra GTU Shaft Packing 1/4"x 2' Coil 6/CS

Unit Price:       $18.08 ea
Availability:       133 AVAILABLE
$18.08

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70.12

Thinking a little out of the box here. Did you re-wrap the mufflers in carpet or foam them in? That could also be the noise, vibration world is ending sound.
I just put in a set of the OJ composite strut bearings and so far I am quite impressed.
Be warned though, there is no room for error in the alignment process with these bearings. It must be perfect from end to end. It will let you know quick when there is a binding load on the shaft.

Have you checked the drive shaft with a micrometer where the strut bearing fits?

Donald80SN wrote: It seems like the guys do not like the plastic Cutlass Bearings. They prefer the Brass with Rubber. Check with Jamestown Distributors. Donald

Who are these guys and what do they have against the plastic?

I have been very happy with the oj bearing on my boat- wouldn't even consider using a brass and rubber one on a boat I was planning to keep.

The "growl" may be just the new prop characteristics. I noticed my new 3 blade Acme on the Sport makes the same type of noise but without the vibration. It feels like you have applied the brakes when you get off the throttle now compared to the original prop.

I assume he meant .0001 inch.

SNobsessed wrote: I assume he meant .0001 inch.

Dead on..

Artcozier, the thought of that crossed my mind. Since you brought this up I'm going to drop it back in and play with the packing. Still will be ordering the cutlass though. It would be great to get it fixed so I could at least save the bearing replacement for a rainy day.