I have a 2008 27 hp kohler longtail mudbuddy and was running to the blind today when engine started skipping and losing power. Turned out to the the gas line came loose from the tank connection and an easy fix. While I was checking out the siituation I put my hand on the upper end of the shaft and it was uncomfortably hot. The top stainless steel housing for the bearings was hot as well. Not warm- but hot. It wasn't like it burned you and you had to pull away immediately but it was uncomfortable to touch. Other posts say the shaft normally gets warm from friction. The boat was loaded down like a sow with several guys and longline gear/anchors but I was surprised how hot it was. Shaft had grease in it when checked middle fitting screw. There is no banging or unusual sounds like a bent shaft or grinding bearings. No water leaking out the bottom like a blown seal and you can turn the shaft easily from the bottom by grabbing the prop and turning with one hand with no sensation of binding. RPM's were about normal (prop is worn so going about 3900) with no abrupt changes in RPM while running. Fixed the gas line and ran a couple of miles without problem. Does this sound normal or should I go looking for something before stuck on the river with a bigger failure? I have run the motor for over a year with no problems at all and just never actually touched that area before while running.

Normal, if its not burning you it should be fine.

bent prop on one side made my upper bearing housing smoking hot once. if you've got no excessive vibration, it's normal for the bearings to get warm. hit the zerk with a single pump of grease.