How to replace gimbal bearing in 165hp Inline 6 cylinder

Skipster1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 24, 2004
Messages
173
The topic says most all of it.<br />I need to know what's involved in replacing the gimbal bearing in my 165hp Mercruiser (1976).<br />Is this a "major project" or can it be done relatively easy ???<br />Thanks,<br />Skiph
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
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Re: How to replace gimbal bearing in 165hp Inline 6 cylinder

Here is a basic "How To" for replacing the gimbal bearing. You may also find a large snap ring holding the gimbal bearing in, that you will need to remove first. Once removed, throw it away. It's not needed. <br /><br />Gimbal bearing replacement
 

Skipster1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2004
Messages
173
Re: How to replace gimbal bearing in 165hp Inline 6 cylinder

Thanks Don... what took you so long to answer/????<br />Is it raining today???<br />I spent a day or two up there just a coupla years ago and loved it.<br />Anyway, thanks for the good info.<br />Skip
 

Don S

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Re: How to replace gimbal bearing in 165hp Inline 6 cylinder

Of course it's raining, and blowing..... :) :)
 

Skipster1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2004
Messages
173
Re: How to replace gimbal bearing in 165hp Inline 6 cylinder

Figures..... we've just had our fourth hurricane blow by us. Central Florida pretty much devastated and the East and West Coasts also have significant damage.<br />Down here in Bonita Springs we did okay... minor stuff like boat docks torn apart, roofs shredded,etc. <br />I fetched my boat back... the dock had come apart under heavy winds and the boat took off down the canal with the bimini providing a helluva spinnaker. She's pretty much unscathed.<br />Anyway, I'll hope that it isn't the gimbal and go one with life.<br />Thanks,<br />Skip
 

hoot

Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 8, 2002
Messages
434
Re: How to replace gimbal bearing in 165hp Inline 6 cylinder

i did my bearing and bellows on a 78. i rate it a major job because of the special tools required (bearing puller, bearing installer, alignment tool) and the extra work to get to the bearing (pull the shift cable out of the transom/reinstall shift cable, remove the trim senders (won't work afterwards because wires are rotted),...). it can be intimidating at times. i had access to a machine shop to help me out and sometimes i just had to walk away from it. the dilema is that the work at a shop and parts can cost more than the boat is worth. i took my time and had a manual and with the forum's help and websites got it done over winter. the forum members will help you out maybe with tips and helpful information. one tip now; drain the outdrive and after you remove it, be darn sure you place it somewhere it will not get knocked over or just lay it down, and the outdrive is heavy; it comes off with the help of gravity, but replacing it, you have to lift it or use a lift. i would suggest looking over the websites and reading posts here from those who have done it and then decide what to do.
 
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