Need some advise

[tsubaki]

Normally the cowl is the culprit in most of the noises.
Ain't but a couple of other things that wouldn't show up easily.
Check the starter bolts, air damper and carb bolts or nuts.
Also look toward the bottom of the motor around the powerhead and even with a magnet for the spots you can't see for a hidden dropped bolt or nut.

[willy]

Thanks Tsubaki, going to do just that, the noise sounds external to the engine but visual showing nothing yesterday???

[parishht]

May be a bearing going bad in your lower unit.

I remember on my older cars that when the water pumps went,
they would make a noise and nothing looked wrong on the outside.

[willy]

how would I check for that Parish? any idea?
It does sound higher but I know vibration can carry a lot

[C YENSEN]

sounds like the solution to the problem is hanging on the back of Lumber's boat not to far from you......i will even come up and help you "borrow" it

[parishht]

An engine stethescope could help you pinpoint the noise.
The other way is to tear down the unit and check each bearing.

But ifI understand your post,
the noise is only when in gear, under power with a load (pushing water).
That would indicate something in the drive.

[macojoe]

When I got my 94 150 Yamaha it had a noise like that and was junk right after?
But that said that motor had ben over heated before I got it and who knows how or for how long?

Good Luck

[C YENSEN]

I agree with Parrisht. take and old dow rod or piece of long skinny wood (broom handle) and hold it to your ear, and possible noise areas. should tell you where the noise is coming from.