1981 Rinker with Mercruiser 120HP, In what order should I do these repairs??

[1lastweekend]

I have a 17' Rinker open bow with a 1981 Mercruiser 120HP that needs the following work this spring:
- Replace all bellows
- Replace trim limit and trim position switches
- Replace lower shift cable

I am pulling the outdrive today, what order makes the most sense to do these repairs? I am also going to pull the bell housing to make doing the TLS and TPS easier...Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

When was the last time the gimble bearing, u-joints, and alignment were checked?

you can do them in the order listed, however when you are doing the bellows, you will need to verify alignment and check the u-joints and gimble bearing. so that portion of the job may grow a bit.

 

[Scott06]

I have a 17' Rinker open bow with a 1981 Mercruiser 120HP that needs the following work this spring:
- Replace all bellows
- Replace trim limit and trim position switches
- Replace lower shift cable

I am pulling the outdrive today, what order makes the most sense to do these repairs? I am also going to pull the bell housing to make doing the TLS and TPS easier...Thanks!

in addition to what Scott said - get a factory manual step by set this is all outlined. Also this is a good place to use OEM parts. I used sierra sender when I did mine and it never worked right.

 

[alldodge]

3 - Replace all bellows
2 - Replace trim limit wires leave switches hanging
1 - Replace lower shift cable

4 - Install trim limit and trim position switches on gimbal ring

 

[kenny nunez]

First make sure the wood in the transom is solid.
The wire harness for the trim sender and trim limit are probably bad also. The bad news is the 2 1/4“bolts that retain the wires most times break off and are just about impossible to drill out, so be careful removing them. If you have a torch that might help.
If this boat is only used in fresh water you might luck out.
Figure on also replacing the water pump in the drive.