Re: Bellows Sleeve Installation
If the truth be known, this is the second time I have done this. The first time was a couple of years ago, however it was a bit easier as it was a 1987 first generation Alpha 1.
To make a long story short, this past fall I bought a used boat knowing it had a cracked engine block, from improper winterization by the previous owner. The price was VERY right, and I knew that with any luck and a lot of patience, I could make it run again.
I managed to find a used Mercruiser engine in very good condition [same size and year] and swapped the old one out for the new one. While the engine was out, I pounded out the old gimble bearing from the inside using a large wooden dowl. The new one went back in a similar way, only I was very carful not to touch the inner race and keep the bearing square all the way in. After an engine alignment and putting the drive back on, I did fire up the replacement engine for about half an hour, and all is well.
While the engine installation itself was pretty straight forward, it was a lot of work. I had to rig up a chain falls from the ceiling in my shop and use it to do the lifting. A standard automotive engine lift will not lift the engine high enough.
As far as the bellows installation kit, I'm sure someone else with all the right tools, and more experience than I could have done it in much less time, but I did take my time and make sure everything was correct.
I must say after all of this work, I now have a new respect for marine mechanics and all of their knowledge.
I would say that if you are fairly mechanically inclined, and have a good set of tools, [sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers ect..] you should be able to get through it. If you are working on this in your driveway out in the cold, I would say forget it... Pay someone. You need a warm shop with good lighting to do this, especially if you have never done it before.
Hope that helps.
