V-Drive noise at idle speed

[azsunn]

Hi,

I've noticed that the V-Drive on my S22 makes a thumping noise at idle speed (not real loud).  When I give it more throttle the thump goes away.

Last year I noticed that water was leaking in past the drive shaft (a lot more than the 1 drip per second I believe it should).  So I tightened that up.  But when I was servicing it and running it on the hose I noticed the noise that was there last year as well.

Do I need to replace the packing around the drive shaft? Align it? Or something else, I haven't taken it out yet this year, but I don't think it vibrates at higher speed.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Clint

[breakawaydaze]

I had the same problem with my old E21 (now its Wrecks)  It had me in a panic, I tried everything.  Turns out it was one bad plug.  It seems as the the slight miss in the engine would reverberate throught the driveline into the transmission.  I was getting ready to start into the transmission when I tried pulling the plug coils one by one while underway.  Found one that made no difference on engine idle when off.  Replaced that plug 1st and problem cured!  By the way, I replaced all with Ford plugs.  Boat ran great until I sold.  I think Wreck is still running on those Ford plugs!  Anyway, it sounds as though you are experiencing same problem as I was, so give the plug replacements a try.

[azsunn]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I'll give that a try.

[breakawaydaze]

The coil packs at each cylinder are also the spark plug wires.  They are held on by two screws each.  I would remove all of the screws (put them somewhere safe) then start water idle speed in drive (best with two people!)  When you pull up on the coil pack the idle should roughen up.  When you get to the one that is bad, there will be no difference.  Or, you could just replace them all and go!  One thing I do recall is that I could see no difference in the tip of the bad plug.  Color and condition was the same as all others.  Good luck!

[blindside]

ditto breakaway

[azsunn]

I replaced the plugs with Autolite 3925s.  I noticed that one of the original iridium plugs had a loose connector when I took it off and it had raw gas on it.  When I put it everything back in and took the boat out it ran flawlessly.  So I think the problem was the loose plug wire.  I plan on keeping the iridium plugs and putting them back in.  They only had 150 hours on them.

Thanks for the help.

Clint