[MadMaxVT]

Thanks for all suggestions. Went and picked up the boat this afternoon. They (Gilles) charged me $270 just to pull the lower unit off....and didn't even put it back on....

I am droping it off somewhere else on Wed and will have them check what you guys suggested. I have already spoken to them (Bob's Boat Repair)) and they told me that it sounds like the other place just wants to make a sale on a new motor. Which, I belive to be patically true. They (Gilles) basicly said that since this motor saw salt water it was not worth thier while to work on..... Even though it was in salt it was kept clean and was serviced. When the gears work it runs like a dream.

Thanks again. I'll let you know what happens!

Max