gimbal bearing

[kopcon1]

my boat has a 2006 mercruiser 3.0l i/o. i have around 350 to 450 hours on it. its maintained by the marine mechanic, i noticed a noise, sounds like the gimbal bearing. the marina mechanic says i can still use the boat for the rest of the season without doing any damage. i live in the northeast and plan on fishing till december. can i do that?

 

[jtybt]

Re: gimbal bearing

Fresh water or salt water?

You leave it in the water all year?

Check for water intrusion from the inner transom plate.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: gimbal bearing

If your mechanic has looked at it and he says it will be fine,, then why ask here?
If you trust him then listen to him, if not then find a new mechanic.
We can see, feel or hear it so no one can tell how bad it is right now...

 

[kopcon1]

Re: gimbal bearing

its in saltwater and it stays there all year . its taken out only for maintance

 

[sea wolf]

Re: gimbal bearing

its in saltwater and it stays there all year . its taken out only for maintance

Do you really want to risk being offshore when that bearing dynamites? I wouldn't risk it, but it's your neck.

 

[jtybt]

Re: gimbal bearing

The BIG problem other than sinking from water intrusion is the bearing rusting to the drive shaft. As long as you use it regularly and the bearing is greased regularly(as in maintained properly by the marina) you would be OK.


IF the marina doesn't grease the bearing regularly...you're asking for it.



Also, what makes you think it's the gimbal bearing and not the U joints.

 

[meesh]

Re: gimbal bearing

Ok we know it's a drive noise, gimbal bearing or U joints. Whatever the case may be, Dont wait! It can only get more expensive as you use it.