Universal joint replacement?

[CharlesW]

Are the universal joints used in an OMC outdrive special or are they available through an automotive parts supply store?<br />1993 OMC Cobra HO 5.0 Ford engine.<br /><br />While I'm not sure just yet, I think I am noticing a little more rumble and vibration this season. After 12 years, it might be time to consider replacement. <br />And yes, they have been lubed regularly although I do it every other year, not each year.

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

I would buy a direct replacement for marine use. The noise also could be the gimbal bearing.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Originally posted by Elk Chaser:<br /> I would buy a direct replacement for marine use. The noise also could be the gimbal bearing.

What is the procedure for determining if the gimbal bearing needs replacement?<br />The rumble seems to only be noticeable when turning. That's the reason I thought it was a u-joint.

 

[Don S]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

When the drive is off, just reach in and turn the gimbal bearing it should turn smooth with no roughness of any kind. If you feel any roughness, replace it. If there is water in the bellows, replace the bellows also and check the drive oil. It could have water in it also.<br />And be sure you check the alignment before reinstalling the drive. If it is not in alignment, you will have to pull the engine to replace that very expensive coupler that gets eat up.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Thanks.<br />The boat will be taken out and winterized in early October and I will check the gimbal bearing, the bellows, the alignment, and the u-joints while I have the outdrive removed. The gear oil is checked for water each year during the annual change.

 

[flashback]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

You can get u-joints for a mercrusier at Napa, don't know about omc, but you could try...

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Originally posted by flashback:<br /> You can get u-joints for a mercrusier at Napa, don't know about omc, but you could try...

Perfect example of the differences in NAPA stores, just like the differences in boat dealers. <br />I was at a NAPA store today and they told me I would have to get u-joints from a marine dealer. I didn't even get far enough in the conversation to discuss what brand or type. He immediately stated that the I/O outdrive stuff wasn't available. I haven't tried any other NAPA stores yet. I may just go to a marine dealer, probably pay a little more, maybe be happier in the long run.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Anyone have any ideas on how to replace the gimbal bearing as a DIY project? Removing and replacing the outdrive for service is something I have been doing for years so I'm not completely lost when working on the boat. A little lost maybe, but not completely.<br />It no doubt would be easier to take it to a shop, but I have to take the boat 75 miles to an OMC repair facility. To compound the problem, I don't own a vehicle with a hitch on it. <br />So, is my best bet to take it to the repair shop or is it something I can do in the field with normal hand tools?

 

[Don S]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Although these instructions are for a Mercruiser, the tools, methods, and for that matter the Gimbal bearing are all the same.<br /><br /> Gimbal Bearing Replacement

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

That information is great!!!<br />Next obvious question.<br />What do I use to check the alignment and how is the alignment done?<br />If all this info is in my Clymer's repair manual, I can check it out next week. Right now, I am 85 miles away and trying to decide if it is a DIY project for me or if I need to borrow a vehicle with a hitch and take the boat to a repair shop.<br />The more I read, the more I think the shop might be the best idea if only for the tools. Their expertise might be worth the effort as well. <br /><br />Charles<br />Charles

 

[Don S]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Ask, and you shall receive. Well, at least in this case...... <br /><br /><br />Alignment how to<br /><br /> Alignment tool The $72 one will work great, no need for the more expensive one.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Thanks!<br />A couple more excellent pieces of information.<br />I will have to do some more reading of the articles, but I didn't see anything about what to do if the alignment isn't correct. Is the alignment changed by adding or removing shims to the motor mounts?<br /><br />My earlier statement, "The more I read, the more I think the shop might be the best idea if only for the tools. Their expertise might be worth the effort as well", seems to make more sense the farther I get into this. I feel pretty comfortable that I can handle the tow vehicle borrowing and the trip to the shop. The actual procedure is starting to look/seem rather intimidating. The 3 hours towing might be a good trade off for the frustration of not knowing what I am getting into. From past experience, the project would probably take me a lot longer than the trip to and from the shop.

 

[Don S]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

There is only adjustment on the front mounts. Normally the front mounts are on a stud with a nut top and bottom where you can adjust them up or down about 1 and 1/2 inches. Then I remembered you have an OMC. And in their infinate wisdom decided on some of them to use non adjustable mounts (with ideas like that, no wonder they went out of buisness). Then you have to sit around for days making shims of the proper thickness to get them in alignment. If you have that kind of mounts, my suggestion would be replace them with some adjustable mounts if possible to do without pulling the engine on your boat.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Originally posted by Don S:<br />Then you have to sit around for days making shims of the proper thickness to get them in alignment. If you have that kind of mounts, my suggestion would be replace them with some adjustable mounts if possible to do without pulling the engine on your boat.

Would it be asking too much to expect the repair facility to have either/both the shims or adjustable mounts available?<br />This shop was once a fairly good sized boat sales agency and was an OMC dealer. They seem to have all the tools and the factory shop manuals, including the various update bulletins.<br />Your information has been quite informative and very helpful. In fact, I think it has helped me decide to forget about the DIY of the project. It really seems like the towing would be by far the thing for me to do.<br />Thanks again. I have learned a lot from the exchange. Not the least of which was how little I really know about I/O's.

 

[Don S]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

It shouldn't be a big deal to get mounts even if they don't have them in stock. Shims can be made out of aluminum, but it's just VERY time consuming cutting and drilling different thicknesses and keep changing till you get the right ones. The alignment usually end up as "Close enough" which really isn't and then you get to buy a new coupler in a few years.<br />If you look at the image below, you will not need the bracket (#1) just the mount (#4) and the nuts and washers<br /><br />

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Thanks again!<br />Boy, you sure do have a lot of information available.

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Originally posted by Don S:<br /> There is only adjustment on the front mounts. Normally the front mounts are on a stud with a nut top and bottom where you can adjust them up or down about 1 and 1/2 inches. Then I remembered you have an OMC. And in their infinate wisdom decided on some of them to use non adjustable mounts (with ideas like that, no wonder they went out of buisness). Then you have to sit around for days making shims of the proper thickness to get them in alignment. If you have that kind of mounts, my suggestion would be replace them with some adjustable mounts if possible to do without pulling the engine on your boat.

Just an update on OMC motor mounts. My 1993 Cobra does have adjustable front motor mounts.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Perfect example of the differences in NAPA stores, just like the differences in boat dealers. <br />I was at a NAPA store today and they told me I would have to get u-joints from a marine dealer. I didn't even get far enough in the conversation to discuss what brand or type. He immediately stated that the I/O outdrive stuff wasn't available.

NAPA Part # 18-2174<br />AP# 1821<br />Heavy Duty U-joint<br />Replaces 915717, 3850812<br />Fits OMC Cobra and King Cobra (1990 & up) <br />$48.47 list...<br />$31.23 jobber...<br />Catalog #MSP-7..... He Should Give you 1.... Price on the cover is $6.95.......... <br /><br />BTW, Your Gimbel Bearing is NAPA # 18-2100, $62.10 list, $40.08 jobber..... <br /><br />Good Luck, Whichever way you decide to go.....

 

[CharlesW]

Re: Universal joint replacement?

Originally posted by Bondo:<br /> <br />NAPA Part # 18-2174<br />AP# 1821<br />Heavy Duty U-joint<br />Replaces 915717, 3850812<br />Fits OMC Cobra and King Cobra (1990 & up) <br />$48.47 list...<br />$31.23 jobber...<br />Catalog #MSP-7..... He Should Give you 1.... Price on the cover is $6.95.......... <br /><br />BTW, Your Gimbel Bearing is NAPA # 18-2100, $62.10 list, $40.08 jobber..... <br /><br />Good Luck, Whichever way you decide to go.....

Thanks for the information. Sounds like the first way I should decide to go is to a different NAPA store. <br />The shop I am having the U joints replaced at charges me OMC list, less 15%. The mechanic thought the U joints were about $50 each. They have always treated me fairly, but fortunately, I have had to have very little done to any of the boats I have owned.