I had my plate rebuilt after blowing seals in the original 2 pump system. Mine now has the single Merc 115 pump, but it definitely sounds like its binding when I move it for the first time each trip, and as it seats the first few inches of the rods(??) when going from maximum height to normal running range. It sounds like metal friction, and vibrates through the boat. I recently greased the rods and that seems to have helped a bit. The deeper the rods seat, the sound goes away. My guage also stopped working, but it wasnt that accurate anyway. I just drive by feel and lift it until I feel a touch of prop torque, or drop it all the way down for rough water.
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