Re: 77 Johnson 35 problems

[Don]

Good, I’m glad you didn’t rip that gearcase apart. Like I say, those engines are normally pretty noisey. Your newer 30hp is probably quieter than the 1977 35hp.
Sometimes these engines have a bit of a "ringing noise" as well, never really figured out just what that is. But, I would definitely pull that flywheel and look for evidence of magnets rubbing on the components. Probably a good idea to remove the mag plate, clean and relube the bushings, replace the plastic bushing: 322435