TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

footer

Cadet
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Aug 24, 2003
Messages
24
Hi TMD, footer here. Have a question for you. I am pulling the main bearing cradle on my 200 Merc.<br />I have all of the main cap bolts out, and all of the external mounting bolts. The crank seal and flywheel mount/balancer has been removed. I have the cradle cracked free from the powerhead, again all bolts have been removed. There are two threaded pins that are located at the bottom of the cradle that pass through holes in the main support tray (for lack of a better term). I have removed the nuts from these bolts and they are free. As much as I tried last night I can't get the cradle free from the powerhead???? Arg... It is free everywhere except I can't pry(carefully), wiggle, persuade or lift the cradle out of the holes where these two freakin' pins fall through?? They are two vertically orientated holes and looks that the cradle should lift straight up and out, but there is no chance of this. I think that there is interference on the crank and the forms on the individual bearing caps? What am I doing wrong?? It seems to me that logically, the bearing cradle should lift straight away from the powerhead, much like that of a car engine, but these two locating pins and their holes have me in a pickle. Have I missed a crucial step in the disassembly process or is there a trick? I have tried tilting the engine for better angles/approaches but this is not helping either!<br />Any insight would be great. Everthing has gone very well and smooth to this point... Arg!<br /><br />FOOTER :confused:
 

The Marine Doctor

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Jul 25, 2003
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2,177
Re: TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

I assume you are refering to the Top crankshaft brg. The manual states. "DO NOT remove the crankshaft ball bearing, unless replacement is required.<br /><br />If you choose to do so.<br /><br />Remove retaining ring. <--if your model has one.<br /><br />Place a universal puller plate under the brg...and press it off.<br /><br />Universal puller number is 91-37241 <---Merc number.<br /><br />You should be able to source this puller within your local.<br /><br />TMD
 

footer

Cadet
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Aug 24, 2003
Messages
24
Re: TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

Doc, I'm past that... I'm talking about the crank shaft main bearing cradle, which is bolted to the power head 6 long bolts (internally) which holds the crank to the powerhead and houses the other half of the main bearings. I can't get it free from the two pins located at the bottom of the unit?
 

The Marine Doctor

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2,177
Re: TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

Erm...don't you mean the 8 long bolts that hold the crank halves together? 4 are accesable without the reed block housing removed. The other 4 are visible when the housing is removed.<br /><br />Is that what you mean? If not take a picture. I might just be confused with the terminology.<br /><br />TMD
 

Joey O

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Sep 16, 2003
Messages
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Re: TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

I'm a little confused, as to the 6 bolts you are talking about. After you remove the 8 crankcase bolts & end cap bolts theres nothing left, remove your connecting rod bolts & pull the crank.
 

footer

Cadet
Joined
Aug 24, 2003
Messages
24
Re: TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

sorry you guys, there are 8 bolts - don't know what I was thinking with 6. yeah, I have all 8 out and the end cap nuts are off. It doesn't want to free itself at the bottom where the end cap bolts are?? Everything is loose and free, but I can't get it to lift away to reveal the crank & con rod caps?? Do I just need to keep wiggling and gently persuading it? :confused:
 

The Marine Doctor

Commander
Joined
Jul 25, 2003
Messages
2,177
Re: TMD, how do I release the main bearing cradle for the powerhead?

It could be the dowel pins are just holding it in place. You took out the small bolts around the outside?<br /><br />TMD
 
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