VRO 150 Ocean Pro

[Joker2]

I was wondering any opinions on two things. How does this gas consumption sound -- 20 minutes (no wake) each way in and out of channel, 3 hrs nonstop tubing with 5 kids 2 adults, food, drinks, ( got 5400 RPM's ) gear put in 11 gallons before trip 89 octane. Fuel gauges were right back where I started when I was done. Now my other question, I have been hearing a chattering at 3000 RPM and above, had engine cover off and I put my head right next to block and i didn't hear it, sounds like it is coming from the lower unit. It is driving me nuts. I have VRO, lines are only two seasons old. I topped off my oil tank at the beginning of the season, it has hardly moved, I have put approx. 8-10 hrs. on engine. Can the noise be that the engine isn't getting enough oil at higher RPM's. I would think if wired up right there would be an alarm or it would'nt allow higher rpm's? I am afraid I might be further damaging something. Any thoughts