MD 180 Noise While Pedaling

My 2021 Outback I purchased new in January. Over the past weeks, I noted a creaking type noise while pedaling. I could not locate the source of the noise initially. However, I soon determined the noise was caused during forward operation of the left crank. If I pedaled aggressively, there was no noise. However, if I pedaled slowly, the noise was there during most of the forward stroke of the left crank.

I only operate in fresh water (Columbia River) and am meticulous with care of the drive after each use. I rinse the drive down, blow dry and apply a lubricant per the Hobie video..

My initial thought was that the noise was related to cable tension. I thought that the cable outer plastic sheath might be the source of the noise. A few days ago, I was out in the river with a 7/16 wrench. I increase tension, decreased tension with no real improvement or change. So I ruled out cable tension and ensured they were adjusted along the guidelines of the Hobie video.

Trying to isolate what on the left crank arm was causing a noise, I got out of the seat to get down close to the drive to possibly locate the noise source. Pushing both crank arms with my arms both aggressively and slowly, there was no noise. Shortening this story, I isolated the noise to the left pedal. Having no lubricant onboard, I used some sunscreen and applied it at the interface between the pedal and crank arm. Voila ! Noise was gone.

At home, my intention was to remove the pedal and lubricate the axle. However, on my MD 180, the pedals are not removable. So I removed the pedal end cap and applied a lubricant. Next day, that creaking noise was gone ! I would have never suspected the pedal to crank arm interface as the noise source but it sure was.

But the story is not finished. Now the pedals slide so freely on the crank arm axle that when pedaling aggressively, the pedal makes a knocking type noise due to some end play which allows the pedal to move slightly inboard/outboard and produce a bit of a knock. Fix for that was installing a Mylar washer to take up the end play. I used a 0.5 ID Mylar washer and cut a slit in it to install over the Elle between the pedal and crank arm.

Took the Outback out this afternoon. The drive operates smoothly and QUIET !

Just sharing my experience. The pedal interface would not have come under my suspicion since the amount of rotation is so small unlike the propeller drives that use bicycle style pedals.