bellows and gimbal replacement

[bpmcl00]

Just curious how many of you have done first time alpha one bellows and gimbal replacement??

How was it???

something you would recommend to first timers?>



thanks

Brian

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

Gen II drives are easy compared to the earlier models. As long as you read, understand and follow the OEM service manual.
First time is a PITA, no matter what drive you have. Second is easy.
With a fresh water boat, you won't even need the "Curse Dictionary" or the Bandaid box.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

haha great to know. also iv got this lovely place called iboats i can always turn too.

this place has saved my alot of money.

2 thumbs up for this forum

 

[chris0061]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

Hey, Let us new be/s know how it went. I picked up a old winner ski boat and seen the bellowes were cracked so I pulled the lower then the upper drives and now I'm waiting on the hing pin tool. This is also a Alpha one. Check back later.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

Good deal. i have yet to start. im curious as to what all tools i will need.

bellows tool?
engine allignment tool?
hinge pin tool?
gimbal bearing tool?

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

bump... what tools will i need for this job?

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

Here is the first tool you will need.

http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

thanks don. im gonna consider that my bible for the build.

but i see i need:
bellows tool
gimbal replacement tool
sleeve instillation tool
Shift cable tool

are all of these tools needed or can i make do without some of them

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

gimbal replacement tool

There is no such thing as a gimbal.
There is a gimbal housing, a gimbal ring, and a gimbal bearing.
I have to assume you are talking about the gimbal bearing, and you will need a tool to install it. (see this thread http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=286110)
Yes, you need an alignment bar. The sleeve install too can be a plywood disc the the same size as the OD of the sleeve.
You don't need the shift cable tool. A spot of grease and being careful works.
A 1/2" allen wrench works many times with the hinge pin.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

thanks again don s!

 

[busatom]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

Mr Don S. - I am pretty mechanically inclined, but have never changed the bellows. I was given a price of $950 for parts and labor on a merc 454 alpha one- which seems quite pricey? What would it go for, and is it just as easy to do it myself? Thanks,,

Tom

 

[Don S]

Re: bellows and gimbal replacement

Welcome to iboat busatom, if you have a question, it's best to start a new thread of your own.