Home made Bravo 3 bearing carrier removal tool

[Mischief Managed]

I had a really stuck bearing carrier that would not budge with the Mercruiser tool. I discovered that 3.5" (4" OD) Schedule 40 structural steel pipe was a near perfect fit to make my own tool. I bought 2 feet of it, cut 4 slots in one end to fit the bearing carrier, and ground the ID a smidge so that the fit was not crazy tight. I then welded a plate on the opposite end and welded a 35 mm nut to the plate so that I had something for an impact wrench to turn. Required a 1" square drive drive impact wrench and a lot of heat to get the thing out, but it came out.

 

[alldodge]

Sounds good, got some pics?

 

[tpenfield]

I had a really stuck bearing carrier that would not budge with the Mercruiser tool. I discovered that 3.5" (4" OD) Schedule 40 structural steel pipe was a near perfect fit to make my own tool. I bought 2 feet of it, cut 4 slots in one end to fit the bearing carrier, and ground the ID a smidge so that the fit was not crazy tight. I then welded a plate on the opposite end and welded a 35 mm nut to the plate so that I had something for an impact wrench to turn. Required a 1" square drive drive impact wrench and a lot of heat to get the thing out, but it came out.

I take it the tool that I loaned you did not do the trick. The carrier must have been quite stuck. I recall being on the hairy edge of snapping a 1/2 socket handle when I removed the bearing carriers on my outdrives a couple of years ago. . . . wasn't sure which would give first . . . the bearing carrier, the wrench . . .or the gear case

Post some pics of the tool when you can. :thumb:

 

[Mischief Managed]

Pictures can be found in the link. The pipe was only available in 1' increments and 1 foot was not quite long enough, thus the ridiculous 2 foot length... When I was using it, I felt like saying "Say hello to my little friend".

 

[alldodge]

I really like it. That setup would have made it much easier removing the carrier during my rebuild

 

[tpenfield]

the gear case looks a bit iffy . . . lots of corrosion?

 

[Mischief Managed]

the gear case looks a bit iffy . . . lots of corrosion?

Indeed, that's why I got the complete working Bravo 3 for only $350. I have an empty and clean upper gear case already and will move the gears and clutches to it. Was hoping to be able to salvage the lower. Friend of mine will let me know if I can fix the worst of it with his TIG welder or not. If not, I'll buy a used empty lower gear case.