Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

[arrkerr]

I've searched the forum, and this is a slightly different twist on the usual question.

Boat is a 91 Maxum 1800SC with Mercruiser 3.0 and Alpha1 Gen1.

My exhaust bellows were bad so I picked up a whole kit (exhaust bellows, u joint bellows, o-rings, etc) and figured I'd replace everything while I'm at it. The kit also came with the gimbal bearing.

My old gimbal bearing wasn't causing any problems that I know of, but there was a bit of water in the ujoint bellows. The new seals and everything *should* fix that, and nothing is rusty (caught it early, phew!).

I'm trying to decide if I should skip the bearing, since it wasn't a problem, or if I should put it in while I have everything apart.

My understanding is that the alignment tools isn't actually needed for the bearing (the alpha1 service manual doesn't even mention it). I understand it can be helpful to get it completely straight, and make installing the drive a lot easier.

My engine alignment was checked recently, so can I skip the tool if I'm willing to possibly spend another hour trying to get everything to slide in smoothly?

I'm reading through service manual 6, section 4 a. Information is sparse, to say the least.

Thanks!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

I've searched the forum, and this is a slightly different twist on the usual question.

Boat is a 91 Maxum 1800SC with Mercruiser 3.0 and Alpha1 Gen1.

My exhaust bellows were bad so I picked up a whole kit (exhaust bellows, u joint bellows, o-rings, etc) and figured I'd replace everything while I'm at it. The kit also came with the gimbal bearing.

My old gimbal bearing wasn't causing any problems that I know of, but there was a bit of water in the ujoint bellows. The new seals and everything *should* fix that, and nothing is rusty (caught it early, phew!).

I'm trying to decide if I should skip the bearing, since it wasn't a problem, or if I should put it in while I have everything apart.

My understanding is that the alignment tools isn't actually needed for the bearing (the alpha1 service manual doesn't even mention it). I understand it can be helpful to get it completely straight, and make installing the drive a lot easier.

My engine alignment was checked recently, so can I skip the tool if I'm willing to possibly spend another hour trying to get everything to slide in smoothly?

I'm reading through service manual 6, section 4 a. Information is sparse, to say the least.

Thanks!

If this were my rig, and the original gimbal bearing checked out to be good, I would save the new one for later.

As for the alignment...if you are confident that it was done correctly (and within the last year), you can probably skip the tool. You will know how well it was done when you go to reinstall the drive. Any extra effort to get it back in, would be a sure sign that it should be redone. For me, I would check the alignment with the tool...since the possible damage that even a slight misalignment can cause, will have you 'kicking' yourself all around the yard! Besides...if I actually watch my mechanic work on my engine, then (and only then) do I believe everything that he swears he did. Mine works by the hour...and half his attention is directed towards the next work ticket on the board...!

 

[arrkerr]

Re: Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

Thanks for the reply!

It seems like you could easily check the alignment by removing the drive shaft at a u-joint and sliding it in. Wouldn't that serve the same purpose, and save $100?

 

[myoldboat2]

Re: Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

i got a true mercruiser alignment tool, used, on ebay for about 40 bucks a few years ago. keep your eyes open. they have aftermarket tools for about 30 bucks, but i have no comment on those... maybe someone has tried one.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

Thanks for the reply!

It seems like you could easily check the alignment by removing the drive shaft at a u-joint and sliding it in. Wouldn't that serve the same purpose, and save $100?

Seems like it would...but, in reality, it is the grease pattern left on the non-splined end of the tool that tells you where you are at.

Like stated above, eBay has plenty at decent prices!

 

[arrkerr]

Re: Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

Ah, great point, thanks! I'll certainly pick one up. My dreams of getting on the lake were already beginning to fade, so this seals the deal. Better to be at home enjoying a beer than in the middle of a lake on a broken boat!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Alpha1 Gen1 Gimbal Bearing - Allingment Tool Needed?

...in the middle of a lake on a broken boat!

That's why you will always find more beer in my boat...than in the frig!

I have been known to leave non-essential passengers on shore, so I can carry the necessary adult beverages without being overloaded....

Happy boating!

P.S. is your 'new' gimbal bearing one of the newer sealed ones? If so...I might want to buy it!