350 mercruiser/Alpha one-ticks when turns

[samm835]

I have a 93' Mariah 20ft Talari with a 350 Merc Alpha one drive. I noticed the last couple of times we took the boat out when turning the drive sounds like it moaning/light ticking only when I turn. I am guessing it's the gimbal bearing that's going to need to be replaced soon. Am I thinking in the right direction?

 

[Bondo]

Am I thinking in the right direction?

Ayuh,..... Probably wanta add the u-joints to the Suspect list,.....

 

[achris]

Bad engine alignment. gimbal bearing, unis, or drive gear bearing pack inside the drive.

You won't know until you take it apart...

Chris......

 

[samm835]

Thanks for the help guys, IF it's the gimbal bearing.....if memory serves me correctly that's roughly 5 to 700ish for a job?

 

[achris]

Thanks for the help guys, IF it's the gimbal bearing.....if memory serves me correctly that's roughly 5 to 700ish for a job?

NO WAY!

A new bearing is $105 (and that's a genuine Merc jobbie, not a cheap/nasty knock-off).
Labour is about 15 minutes to remove the drive, 20 minutes to set up and pull the old bearing out and knock the new one in... 15 minutes to refit the drive.... One hour all up. BTW, I'm being very generous with those times, a mechanic doing these all the time should be able to do it in about half that... If anyone wants to dispute that, check out my videos. I have a drive off in 3 minutes (and that's also while commentating to the camera.), I have it back on in 6...

I have no idea what the labour rates are in USofA, but here in Arse-tralia they're up at stupid levels, like $130/hr... So, even at that ridiculous rate, it's still only a $235 job...

Any shop quoting more than $250 should be told very precisely where to go, then call another shop.

Chris............

 

[wahlejim]

For $700 I would want a Gimbal install, new bellows, alignment check (more if alignment needs adjusting), and full inspection of the outdrive, including u-joints (re-greased), and a pressure test (which would also involve them changing the gear oil)

 

[achris]

An alignment check is literally, a 2 minute job. But most shops around here charge $50 to 'check the alignment', more if it needs adjusting. :facepalm:

The marine repair industry here really does need to be cleaned up and regulated. Sounds like the US has the same problem.

Chris..........