Re: Outdrive off!! Gimbal on shaft!
Heat is a last resort IMO. It WILL warp the shaft.... wether it's alot or a little. May not be noticable but still....
If I were you I'd take a grinder and a cutoff wheel to it, but don't cut all the way through the bearing... just cut until you get to the part of the bearing that is actually contacting the shaft, then cut 1/2 way through that and take a screw driver and hammer to it to break the bearing.... being careful not to mar the shaft. In order for this to work you need to be paying attention while cutting... get yourself nice and steady and watch very closely when cutting it.
We used to do this all the time and it works great if you do it right.
An air arc is another option but you need to find someone that has some serious skills with one. I got to the point to where I could blow bearings off without touching the shaft and you could even put your hand on the shaft right after you cut it without getting burned.
I'd go the grinder route though if I were you.
