On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 15:15:08 +0000, Mark Brotcke wrote:

Last week i purchesed a 2001 bayliner 185 with the 3.0L Mercruiser
Alpha I sterndrive .



At around 3000 RPM there is a Very noticeable HUM or Whir or Whistle.
Whatever you want to call it is loud when sitting in the captains seat. it
fades away below 2900 and above 3100.



This bothered me so I had my dealer take it for a test drive (I wasn't
there) and they said it was fine but offered no explanation. While on the
lake this weekend I found another boater who had a 2001 bay liner 185 only
with the 4.3l 6cylinder engine and he says he experiences the same Sound at
the same RPM.



Any thoughts on what this may be? Is it something I can cure or something I
must live with? I was told by another mechanic that it may be something
characteristic with that engin/outdrive and I should just try and stay away
from cruising at those RPM's.


I had an older 2.5L Mercruiser in my Campion, and 3000 was pretty much the
"sweet spot": best cruise rpm. Definitely a nice sound - no annoying
whines or whistles.

I'm guessing the outdrive - they can whine just like what you describe.
Usually not a Good Sign (universal?) - have it checked!

Lloyd Sumpter