Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

[gwgautney]

I'm getting ready to replace gimbal bearing and do an all out service on transom. I want to do all three bellows along with it. I just got boat so I do not know the history on it so I want to do everything I can to insure long life. I have never done this before but I am pretty mechanically inclined so I don't think it will be a problem with a little guidance. I just want to double check I believe mine is an MR or an Alpha. SN A377815 Its on a Wellcraft 1985

Thanks
GWGautney

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

If you go to this link:
https://webapps.brunswick.com/literature/literatureSearch.do

..and put in your serial number (needs a leading '0' but it will pad that for you) you'll see it shows being an MC1(?) drive 1985.

Here's a link to the Merc. service man. #6 for your drive that has procedures or other searching here on IBOATS will turn up more help.
Someone with a downloadable pdf of the manual may also come along and provide that.
Boatinfo - Mercruiser Service Manual nr. 6 - 1983-1990 - R, MR, Alpha One & Alpha One SS Sterndrives

Mark

 

[achris]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

If you have a look at the page in the manual (the one Mark linked for you) that shows 'Models covered', you see that your serial number falls inside the range that designates it an 'MR'.... (almost identical to the Alpha One)....

The best advise I think is, take your time, follow the manual TO THE LETTER, and in the same order. I also like to read through any new procedures I'm about to do a few times, basically do the job in my head a few times and 'know' what I'm going to be doing...

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

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

Make a note of which position the clamps are facing on the bellows, you'll want to set the new ones up the exact same way.

It matters which "ends" are clamped first so as Chris mentioned take you time, read the manual and follow it. It's pretty tight in there when everything's buttoned up.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

fwiw,
on my mc-1 drive i found that it was easier to attach the drive shaft bellows to the gimble housing with the hinge pins removed. this allowed me to move the bell housing closer to the gimble housing so i didn't have to stretch out the bellows as much when attaching them to the gimble housing.
i also found that routing the water hose between the gimble housing and bell housing was easier to accomplish w/o kinking the hose if done by putting the hose on the gimble housing first, then the bell housing.
imho, use oem parts if ya want the project to last. the few dollars ya save with aftermarket will be out weighted by the project lasting longer between service. the project will also go smoother as they are for sure the proper parts. not copies of the proper parts.

 

[blkzoe]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

1. Wash your Xanax down w/ good vodka.
2. Change your lower shift cable as long as you have the access.
3. Modern gimble bearings are sealed; i.e., no grease nipple/greasing required. Grease the exterior to get it in.
4. If you can use the exhaust tube as opposed to the exhaust bellows, do it. Much easier (and louder).

QUESTION: Does anone else use the allthread/impact gun method of seating the g-bearing? That's how I did my last one and it was a breeze. Bearing seated perfectly in the housing without having to beat it to death.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

Use OEM Bellows, and if your exhaust bellows is in decent shape save some money and reuse it.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

I changed them on my old boat just before I sold it. It turned out to be easier than expected. I made the "$3" exhaust bellows tool from here. For the water tube I put it in boiling water for a couple minutes (not touching the bottom). I have read that the water tube is hard to get on the gimbal housing but it slid right on for me with that method. For the shift bellows clamp I used a zip tie wrapped around twice as someone suggested on the site. Also make sure you use bellows adhesive.

 

[gwgautney]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

I thought the gimbal bearing was already out but I believe the outer ring is still in there. Is there any way to pull it without buying the high dollar tool? Also what is the impact allthread method. and when you say lower shift cable is that the one that comes through the transom??

thanks

 

[thumpar]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

Take a picture of what you got out. When I pulled mine I just did the loan-a-tool from Autozone to get a 2/3 jaw slide hammer puller. It came out in a few seconds.

 

[gwgautney]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

ok I will get pic tomorrow so i need a 2 or 3 jaw slide hammer puller

 

[thumpar]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

The one I got had the option of 2 or 3. I used the 3.

 

[gwgautney]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

ok i dont guess i have ever used one before but i will try it doesnt look to hard to figure out

 

[achris]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

You'll need to put the gimbal bearing back in the carrier, then use the 3 jaw puller on the slide hammer to remove the bearing AND the carrier... When you go to put the new bearing in, put it in with the slots in the carrier facing forward (towards the front of the boat).... And if it's not a 'greased for life' bearing, then make sure you have the grease holes lined up. If it is a 'greased for life' bearing, then remember to remove the old nipple (from the side of the gimbal housing) and plug it with the plug provided.

Do you have the OEM manual?

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

 

[gwgautney]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

I have the seloc manual here is a picture of the old bearing
thats all thats left of it. I can see inside the outer casing i think i see the two indentions facing the back of the boat I will get a picture of that tomorrow and post

 

[thumpar]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

Use the Mercruiser manual from the Adults Only pinned thread. You can use the Seloc as a knee pad.

 

[achris]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

I have the seloc manual here is a picture of the old bearing
thats all thats left of it. I can see inside the outer casing i think i see the two indentions facing the back of the boat I will get a picture of that tomorrow and post

Well, for starters, that picture (in the book) is of a Gen II, and you have an MR... and secondly, it's a seloc.. :facepalm:...

HERE is the real deal.... Download and save.

Chris.....

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

From post number #2 yesterday evening....

Here's a link to the Merc. service man. #6 for your drive that has procedures or other searching here on IBOATS will turn up more help. Someone with a downloadable pdf of the manual may also come along and provide that.
Boatinfo - Mercruiser Service Manual nr. 6 - 1983-1990 - R, MR, Alpha One & Alpha One SS SterndrivesMark

What you wrote a little bit ago.....

Well, for starters, that picture (in the book) is of a Gen II, and you have an MR... and secondly, it's a seloc.. :facepalm:...
HERE is the real deal.... Download and save.Chris.....

I knew you'd come through for him (and anyone else needing the manual) as you always do....been busy with "mod" stuff in the last 24 hours mate?????

Mark

 

[achris]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

....been busy with "mod" stuff in the last 24 hours mate?????

Mark

Like you have no idea... I love it...

 

[gwgautney]

Re: Getting Ready for Gimbal Bearing Replacement and Bellows Replacement Any Tips??

3 jaw puller worked great. came out in just a couple of tries. now i have everything off just trying to figure out the shift cable started a new thread on that