Alpha One HELP!

[roamrocker]

I posted this in the wrong spot before. Hoping to get some more input over here where it belongs.

Ok guys i really need some input here. I purchased a boat last week and i have some questions and need some help. First of all, Its a 89 Carrera I/O with a 5.7 chevy all stock and a MercCruiser Alpha One outboard. I took it out today for the first time and found she was taking on some water. After looking at it i found that the Bellow is cracked and that is where the water is coming in. I took it to the local boat shop and he asked about a "groaning" noise. After i told him i also herd this he informed me that i needed a "Gimble" bearing installed at that this was not something i could do myself. Does anyone here have any exp with working on these outboards?

 

[oilydogg]

Re: Alpha One HELP!

he told you it was something you could not do yourself? do you believe him? it is definitely not an easy job but if you are mechanically inclined and have access to some special tools it can be done. in my opinion if you can afford to pay someone else to do it, do that. otherwise download your appropriate manual, read the forum, and get dirty.

 

[6meter]

Re: Alpha One HELP!

Getting the gimble bearing out is no picnic and I had some pullers. I had the marina next door to me pull and install the new one. I had the out drive off myself.

 

[shearpin]

Re: Alpha One HELP!

engine alignment tool (avg. cost 95.00-111.81), Gimbal bearing installer (51.00-68.40) some type of puller ( i use slide hammer otc type cost 79.35 1994 price.) min. tools needed.
If you going to go in there you may as well pick up a transome service kit cost about 179.00 and up(depending on year and type). You shoud have a tube of transome sealent to glue the bellows to make it water tight ( some may disagree , but i have never had one fail to this day). The job on paper take about 5.3 hours. in realy time it could take you all day. Your working in a tight place with limated room. If you going to be performing this job at your house keep a german dictionary handy to sub in some choice words that you'll often use threw out the job. best of luck.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha One HELP!

You can get an alignment tool on e-bay for about $30 that can be used as an installation tool, Autozone will lend you a slide hammer for free (get the big obe). OEM bearing is about $80. Use the OEM drive bellows, and shifter bellows. If the exhaust bellows is in good shape reuse it or aftermarket is OK. I am told a 1/2 inch allen wrench will do the bellhousing hinge pins. With the bellhousing off it is not a bad job. Good luck.

 

[roamrocker]

Re: Alpha One HELP!

Thanks for the input. I am mechanically inclined and what not. Its just a PITA to work 6 days a week then have my only day off to mess with it. I already down loaded the service manual for my drive but it really does not get to in depth with replacing the bearing.