I took core samples on the mounts and they are shot, and that is why I think the gimble bearing is making so much noise. The engine has settled a bit putting the output shaft in a bind.

It was really pretty today so I decided to run the engine one more time before taking it out just to make sure everything is ok. She fired off like a champ, and I checked everywhere for leaks and the oil once more time. I did do all this when we were looking at the boat, but I just wanted to make sure. Heck, I missed the rotten deck. She does burn a little oil right at startup, but after a few seconds it goes away. This is probably worn valve guides, and that will have to wait for next season. I will just have to check the oil more often to see how much she eats up. What i will do for this season is put the high mileage oil in it to help stop some of the oil consumption. I ran it through all the tests and everything is acceptable. I also did a compression test on the engine when it was cold, and all bores are within 3 psi of each other.

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