Outdrive just about came off - advice please

[journey]

Not entirely, but almost.<br /><br />Went to the lake this weekend and noticed almost immediately that the drive wasn't sounding normal. Put the boat back on the trailer, and saw that the Gimbal Ring had broken, thus allowing the drive to drop.<br /><br />The boat is a 1987 Four Winns with a 165HP Merc and an Alpha 1 drive. I rebuilt the engine two seasons ago, and it runs like a champ. I'd really like to fix the boat if practical and was wondering what my options were.<br /><br />If I were to buy a complete Transom Assembly which comes with the bellhousing and the gimbal ring already attached to it, what kind of job is it to install that? Does the engine need to be removed? <br /><br />Is it much more difficult to replace just the gimbal ring?<br /><br />I appreciate any advice or help anyone can offer.<br /><br />Pics attached of the disaster.<br /><br />KB<br /><br />

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[Haut Medoc]

Re: Outdrive just about came off - advice please

Ouch! Welcome to Iboats. It would be easier (and cheaper) to replace the just the gimbal ring. The engine would not have to come out if you were to do this. For the transom mount the engine would have to come out. Did you hit something? I see you have some corrosion issues, I would get a manual-Mercruiser Volume #6, and take it apart to see if the transom mount is not so corroded that it can't accept a new gimbal ring. This is a task but,it is doable if you are mechanicallly inclined. It will be real pricey to have it done professionally. I would look on ebay for the parts. They pop up very frequently. Hope this helps..........J

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Outdrive just about came off - advice please

You need a new transom shield. You also have a lot of work ahead of you.<br />" If I were to buy a complete Transom Assembly which comes with the bellhousing and the gimbal ring already attached to it, what kind of job is it to install that? Does the engine need to be removed?" <br />The motor will have to be at least disconnected and moved forward from the bellhousing. Almost impossible in a boat. I have done it but it wasn't pretty. Once that is done (and the drive removed) it is not that bad to do. <br />"Is it much more difficult to replace just the gimbal ring?" <br />Same labor, less parts.

 

[gspig]

Re: Outdrive just about came off - advice please

You may be able to just replace the gimbal ring. You will have to disassemble to evaluate the condition of the transom mount. You said you rebuilt the engine, so you know what is involved in pulling the engine. If you have to replace the entire transom assembly, you will have to pull the engine. Once the engine is out, the transom assembly is a pretty easy job. Just be aware you may find more work in the transom (no job is just a single job). Don't forget an engine alignment tool, you will definitely change the position the engine mounts.