merc 4.3 L scraping noise

[tystick]

I have a 1990 merc 4.3L 262 CI that has a scraping sound from the block at 1500 rpm and will continue on down to idle and then stop.<br /> After reading archives, it sounds like gimball bearing? I had gimball & bellows replaced about 4 years ago. How long will they last if boat has low hours / use? Is this a DIY job? special tools?<br />thx robert

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

the leg should be removed for inspection at least every other year. low hours or not.<br />if you have or can rent the gimbal bearing puller, alignment tool and bearing driver<br />its a fairly simple job to accomplish.

 

[tystick]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

are the tools you mentioned essential or only if it is rusted or stubborn to remove? Anyone have alignment tool lying around?<br />the boat is in remote location with only one marina close that is real rip-off so will definately do myself.<br />thx robert

 

[Don S]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

You better start reading, what one person may call easy, is an impossibility for another.<br /><br />Heres a link to the Merc service manual<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf <br /><br />Here is a link to general Merc information and tools to suppliment the service manual.<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/

 

[tystick]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

don, do you have a link to the 1990 merc manual? i do have a Seloc manual<br />thx robert

 

[Don S]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

I did give you a link to the drive manual (Above). There isn't one for your engine that I am aware of.

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

use the seloc manual to help start your next campfire.<br />the tools are necessary.

 

[tystick]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

is it possible to lube gimball bearing to fix scraping noise or is it past the point of greesing? I am not close to boat or would give it a try.

 

[tystick]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

is there any online place to find the tools used?<br /><br />i have heard the seloc mamual is worthless but that is not true...starting a campfire is a worthy cause

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

ive seen tools for sale on ebay from time to time. if in fact it is the gimbal you can hear its beyond the point grease will help. <br />for future reference look at the starboard side of your transom plate about half way up close to the boat transom, that grease nipple is for the gimbal bearing.

 

[Don S]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

When bearings are bad, they are bad, and need replaced.<br />Did you look at either link I gave you???? All kinds of tools on the mercstuff link, and the Merc service manual on the other.

 

[tystick]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

the price to buy puller, alignment and driver wipe out any savings by diy job. Will look for a used tool set. Is possible to do gimbal bearing without puller and driver. I don't remember seeing the mechanic using these when he did it 4 years ago. <br />robert

 

[Don S]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

Many times a slide hammer will pull the bearing, but to install one, you need to drive the bearing in using the outside collor only. You might be able to make something to install it. The alignment bar is a must. You will need it to align the inner part of the gimbal bearing with the coupler and confirm the alignment.<br />IF, the alignment goes out and you don't catch it, it will cost you a coupler. Then cost about 3 to 4 times what the alignment bar costs. Plus you have to pull the engine to replace it........ Your choice.

 

[tystick]

Re: merc 4.3 L scraping noise

thx don,<br />anyone know a mechanic on cape cod or ack? I know its a long shot but... <br />Will get alignment tool<br />what are problems if I run with scraping gimbal bearing? Will it damage more ? I believe it is early stage or problem - scraping noise just started<br />robert