Engine/Outdrive "Squeal"

[kt_maxum]

Hi All,

I'm hearing a "squeal" from my engine (or perhaps the sterndrive) while underway. It sounds like a worn belt, however it doesn't happen when the engine is throttled up but not in gear. Once in gear, it happens at about 2,500 rpm and 3,200 rpm. If I speed up or slow down, it goes away, but I hear it consistently as I speed up or slow down.

Could this be a leg/sterndrive issue? A bearing of some kind?

I have a single 496 Mercruiser with a Bravo 2 outdrive.

Thanks,
Ken