How difficult is it to change a gimbal housing?

[leakdoctor]

I bought a boat thinking it had a locked engine. As it turns out the engine is OK but the upper drive is locked. I almost wish it was the engine-lol. The lower portion of the gimbal housing is also broken off below the bolt on the port side. Do I have to pull the engine to change this? I have bought a used assembly off of ebay. Can I just disconnect everything and unbolt and re-install the replacement? I do not heed to replace anything on the inside of the transom. The brokn part is on the outside. It is a Mercruiser Alpha One, Gen 1, paired up with a 260 HP 5.7.

 

[Don S]

Re: How difficult is it to change a gimbal housing?

Yup, you have to pull the engine, the inner transom shield that is bolted to to the outer transom shield (aka gimbal housing) is also the rear motor mounts for the engine. Plus you have to get the engine out of the way so you can remove the exhaust Y.

 

[Speedo]

Re: How difficult is it to change a gimbal housing?

I just had one replaced on a 260 merc. You might end up replacing hoses, seals, cables, boots, etc.

Probably best to replace as much as you can while the motor is out.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: How difficult is it to change a gimbal housing?

Most likely u will have to pull engine to unbolt the outside of it. I just went thru a big mess with mine when I was changing out my thru hull exhaust to thru prop. Good luck

 

[woodrat]

Re: How difficult is it to change a gimbal housing?

I thought when I broke mine that I would be able to switch it out while leaving the engine more or less in place. I gave it a good go, but alas... the motor really does need to come out.

Next week I have a few days off and I am going to try to get at least the transom plate changed out adn the motor set back in place before I have to go back to work. I am going to clean up the bilge and put a new bilge pump in, as well as a permanent oil drain hose on the engine while it is out.