Gimble bearing install

[DONTGAF]

Can anybody provide me with the details I need to make a Gimble bearing installation tool? (Diameter, length, etc.) Also I need the details to make a socket to replace a shift cable. Both of the above tools are for a Alpha 1, Gen 1. Lastly, I understand there is a new kind of exhaust bellows that doesn't require a special tool. Is this true and what are peoples opinions of them (Good or Bad) Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Gimble bearing install

next page, thread by navis and help from don s.
don't ask me nothin!

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble bearing install

Can anybody provide me with the details I need to make a Gimble bearing installation tool?

Haven't seen anyone post dimensions on the bearing install tool. If someone doesn't post it by tomorroy I will measure mine (Mercruser) and post the info.

Also I need the details to make a socket to replace a shift cable.

Just get a deepwell 9/16 socket with a 1/2 drive and one with a 3/8" drive. Then weld the one with the 3/8 drive on the end of the other one. The end of the shift cable will fit thru the 1/2 drive area of the socket.

Lastly, I understand there is a new kind of exhaust bellows that doesn't require a special tool. Is this true and what are peoples opinions of them (Good or Bad)

It's a tube on the drive end and doesn't clamp to the drive just aims at it.
Little noiser and it could be a problem if you have the drive up and on the beach and waves/wakes push water up the exhaust Y. But haven't heard of that actually happening to anyone.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Gimble bearing install

don s, this exhaust bellows thing.
could you supply a pic of it, thank you?.

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Gimble bearing install

[=Don S;1912132]Haven't seeQUOTEn anyone post dimensions on the bearing install tool. If someone doesn't post it by tomorroy I will measure mine (Mercruser) and post the info.

Don S.- Do you happen to have the info on the G.B. installation tool?



Just get a deepwell 9/16 socket with a 1/2 drive and one with a 3/8" drive. Then weld the one with the 3/8 drive on the end of the other one. The end of the shift cable will fit thru the 1/2 drive area of the socket.

So you just weld the two sockets together so both the drive ends are facing out, is that correct?




It's a tube on the drive end and doesn't clamp to the drive just aims at it.
Little noiser and it could be a problem if you have the drive up and on the beach and waves/wakes push water up the exhaust Y. But haven't heard of that actually happening to anyone.[/QUOTE]

Do you reccomend the use of such tubes?

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble bearing install

Don S.- Do you happen to have the info on the G.B. installation tool?

Oops!!! I forgot :redface: Just sent myself an email so will get it tomorrow....... I hope

So you just weld the two sockets together so both the drive ends are facing out, is that correct?

No, you want the 9/16 part of the 1/2" drive socket set to go onto the shift cable. The other socket is installed so the ratchet can fit into it.
The 1/2 drive socket just needs a hole big enough to go over the end of the shift cable. 1/2" drive worked for me. You may even be able to use a short socket for the other one. All you are trying to do is make the socket longer but still have a hole in it and a 3/8" drive ratchet or extention will fit in it. You don't need 1/2" drive to force anything.

Do you reccomend the use of such tubes?

I don't recommend or not recommend the tube to my customers. If they come in for new bellows, they get what is called for by the manufacturer. If they ask about the bellow vs. tube, I tell them I can install either, which do they want. The tube is going to cut maybe 10 minutes off the job (I have the tool and know how to use it)
The reason people (aka DIYers) like the tube is because they don't need the special tool to install the bellows and don't want to buy one.

 

[gman90706]

Re: Gimble bearing install

Can anybody provide me with the details I need to make a Gimble bearing installation tool? (Diameter, length, etc.)

I just used a socket extention, some wood cut out the outer diameter of the gimbal bearing, and a hammer. babied it in little by little side by side, 'til it seated fully ... perhaps I'll get a rashing for this method but it worked for 100+ hours so far and everything is in alignment & seems fine.... then again mines pretty straight forward volvo penta SX drive, not sure in your case this would work?

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Gimble bearing install

I was told that the O.D. of a standard 9/16 deep socket would have to be turned down to make it thinner wall. Is this correct and if so does anybody know what the O.D. is?

 

[JimKaz]

Re: Gimble bearing install

I have seen a 4 inch PVC pipe used. Cut it perfectly square at about 2 feet, and then sand the outside edge until it fits the outside bearing race. Glue a union with a screw in plug on the other end. Use a rubber mallet and be sure go gently and straight.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Gimble bearing install

I have done a couple and always just use a long square ended drift and used lots of care to tap it in slowly and evenly.

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Gimble bearing install

Thanks for your help everybody!

Ron

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: Gimble bearing install

I have seen a 4 inch PVC pipe used. Cut it perfectly square at about 2 feet, and then sand the outside edge until it fits the outside bearing race. Glue a union with a screw in plug on the other end. Use a rubber mallet and be sure go gently and straight.

It seems we had the same idea! The parts are cheap enough and I figured it was worth a try. It worked great. Would I suggest it, NO. Does it work---SURE DOES.

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble bearing install

I just took pictures of the Merc tool. It's actually 3 pieces. The handle is used for other tools as well and screws into the center section which is also used on other jobs is used to keep the tool centered on the gimbal bearing during installation. The oouter part is recessed to clear the inner portion of the gimbal bearing. The handle is 13" long.