Gimble Bearing Replacement - Need a Technician's Advice

[rfdfirecaptain]

I just pulled my engine (Volvo 7,4 liter). While the engine and the cooling risers are going through an overhaul I thought I would look at replacing the gimble bearing, but I don't know how to tell if it needs replacing. Last year I rebuilt my Volvo DP-D1 outdrive thanks to Don S. and the shop manual he supplied me. (For those that aren't familiar the DP-D1 is pretty close to a Bravo III type of outdrive) Also, I replaced all the bellows. Unfortunately, when I searched the word "gimble" in that shop manual it is not listed. I've searched the iboats forums and I cannot find the answers to the following questions. Can anyone help?

1. How do you know the gimble bearing needs replacing? When I pulled the engine my transmission was dry, but the drive shaft was a little loose. I could wiggle it to the point that the tip of the drive shaft had about a 1/4 movement in all directions. Does that mean the bearing is worn or is that much movement normal (the outdrive is still attached)?

2. After removing the engine and outdrive can I replace the gimble bearing with the transmission housing still mounted in the boat?

3. I keep reading posts about an alignment rod. Some say it's critical and other's say they've used PVC pipe as an alignment rod. What's the real story on this? Do I really need to spend a hundred bucks on something that I am not likely to use more than 2-3 times in my life? Once the drive shaft is aligned, will my engine line back up without any problems? I presume the outdrive will be easier to line up than the engine anyway.

4. Does anyone have a shop manual that details the gimble replacement for this outdrive?

I know I should probably take this to a service center, but they are all swamped right now and I would like to get some use out of the boat this summer. Through reading the iboat forums I've developed a strong level of confidence in my ability to repair my boat. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but it does speak well of this forum.

Best regards,
Keith

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble Bearing Replacement - Need a Technician's Advice

You don't have a "Gimbal Bearing".
You should have one or two bearings in the flywheel housing. It probably doesn't have a zirk on the housing, so, since you have the engine out. Replace them and the seals and grease and be done with it. The only way to replace them is to pull the engine.

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Flyw...*****.855556091--store_id.366--view_id.325654

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Flyw...*****.855556091--store_id.366--view_id.314273

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: Gimble Bearing Replacement - Need a Technician's Advice

Seriously Don S. Where do you find all these great shop photos? My hero!!!

Ok. so I don't have a gimble. I suppose that is good news. I reviewed the shop manual photo you sent. It looks like I will be replacing parts # 12, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Seems simple enough, so while the engine is out I will replace those parts even if the don't need it.

1. Question still remains. How do I know if these bearings need replacing? Is the wiggle I described within normal limits?
2. Can I replace the parts listed above with the flywheel housing still mounted on the boat?
3. What about drive shaft alignment. Is that necessary now that I know I don't have a gimble?
4. You mentioned the engine would have to be pulled and it already is out. Obviously the outdrive must be pulled too. Right?

I had to google "zirk". I guess that is my word for the day and now I know what it is. Thanks for coming to my rescue once again Don. If I keep it up, you'll make a boat mechanic out of me yet.

Kind regards,
Keith

 

[Don S]

Re: Gimble Bearing Replacement - Need a Technician's Advice

Where do you find all these great shop photos?

Those are just the parts breakdowns. They are right here at iboats. Just look above your original post, click on Volvo Penta Parts, and follow the links to your engine or drive.

1. Question still remains. How do I know if these bearings need replacing?

Once you have the flywheel cover off the engine, just turn the shaft. If there is ANY roughness or catching in the bearings, replace them.

They do still get aligned, but it's not as critical as the drives with couplers and gimbal bearings.
Here is a thread that talks about it in detail.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=303248&highlight=volvo+penta+alignment

2. Can I replace the parts listed above with the flywheel housing still mounted on the boat?

Geeeeezzzz. Let me guess. You just unbolted the flywheel from the engine and pulled the engine that way didn't you.
No, you need to pull the upper gear box and remove the 6 bolts and get the flywheel cover out of there, press out the old bearings and clean it properly.
Look at the blue part of my signature.

4. You mentioned the engine would have to be pulled and it already is out. Obviously the outdrive must be pulled too. Right?

Like I said above, just the upper gear box. Very easy to do.

You REALLY need to spend some time up in the adults only sticky, especially in the Volvo section.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2360521#post2360521

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: Gimble Bearing Replacement - Need a Technician's Advice

Thanks Don. Your points are duly noted. I follow directions pretty well. My trouble it finding someone to give me the directions. You've been the one that has gotten me this far so I'll trust your advice.

Actually. I have perused the adults only section, but I'll go back. Obviously I must have missed something.

Keith