Gimbal bearing / bellows job

[grady86]

Greetings all,

I own a '89 3.7L ("470") w/ Alpha 1 outdrive, and I am getting ready to dive into a gimbal bearing / bellows replacement (all three ... exhaust, drive, and shift cable) . I've been skimming threads on this job and had a few questions that I wasn't able to answer.

1) How do I know if my u-joint needs replaced?
2) Is taking the bell housing off 100% needed? It seems like after reading it will make the bellows replacement easier.
3) #2 is yes, does this mean I need to purchase a new shift cable?
4) I used to be able to access the service manual #6 PDF and now the link no longer works, is there a work around or am I gonna have to bite the bullet and purchase a copy?
5) is the transom seal kit Transom Seal Kit - 18-2601-1 - Sierra from iBoats the best bet for this job? There are some other kits listed on iboat for around 100, but they don't have a complete list of what comes with them... like this one : Transom Seal Kit - 18-8213 - Sierra
6) How much beer should I anticipate consuming during this job? Always thinking ahead.

Thanks all. Been putting this off but it is time to do it.

 

[tpenfield]

I plan on doing similar work this weekend, so I can help out on your question #6. I think you should plan on between 4-6 Beers.

It is always nice to get the Mercruiser OEM stuff for bellows, but the Sierra Kit will do the job and support the web site.

If your outdrive has been grumbling on sharp truns, then it is a sign of u-joint wear. . . or if when you grease them you get any signs of rust or water coming out of them. Often a u_joint will feel OK to the touch, but actually be bad under the load of the engine.

 

[grady86]

4-6 sounds perfect!

I am definitely for supporting the website, as this website has saved me countless hours of self defeat. Thanks for the advice on U-joint wear... should help me make a decision.


Grady

 

[bspeth]

I recommend a trial fit of the new transom parts prior to final assembly,that way you know exactly what you are doing when you get the adhesive on there.Its just a series of steps.For me it was three during the repair and I forget how many after.Just have to look at them UJs,If you have any doubts then install new for piece of mind.I think mine were 40 bucks and I was already there.A LITTLE grease on the cable sheath goes a long way in installing the cable into the shift bellows.When you pull out the old cable pull a string back through so you get the routing correct.It should all make sense when you disassemble so don't sweat it.The stock exaust bellows is not that hard to pull onto the bellhousing IMO.Check out the shift shaft upper bushing,water can get in there and its real easy to replace.I have been advised to tear down first and then order parts,and I couldn't agree more.Either way you go ,you will see why.

 

[Bondo]

2) Is taking the bell housing off 100% needed? It seems like after reading it will make the bellows replacement easier.
3) #2 is yes, does this mean I need to purchase a new shift cable?
4) I used to be able to access the service manual #6 PDF and now the link no longer works, is there a work around or am I gonna have to bite the bullet and purchase a copy?

Ayuh,..... The bellhousin', Has to come off,....

Yer Nuts, not to change the shift cable, while it's all apart,....

I believe that manual oughta be available in Don'S Adults Only section, just follow the links,...

 

[grady86]

I recommend a trial fit of the new transom parts prior to final assembly,that way you know exactly what you are doing when you get the adhesive on there.Its just a series of steps.For me it was three during the repair and I forget how many after.Just have to look at them UJs,If you have any doubts then install new for piece of mind.I think mine were 40 bucks and I was already there.A LITTLE grease on the cable sheath goes a long way in installing the cable into the shift bellows.When you pull out the old cable pull a string back through so you get the routing correct.It should all make sense when you disassemble so don't sweat it.The stock exaust bellows is not that hard to pull onto the bellhousing IMO.Check out the shift shaft upper bushing,water can get in there and its real easy to replace.I have been advised to tear down first and then order parts,and I couldn't agree more.Either way you go ,you will see why.

Thank you for the advice. I am down to pulling the shift cable through, and I am going to take your advice and try to string something through to make it easier to install the replacement. I am also going to check out that bushing to make sure it is good to go.

 

[grady86]

Ayuh,..... The bellhousin', Has to come off,....

Yer Nuts, not to change the shift cable, while it's all apart,....

I believe that manual oughta be available in Don'S Adults Only section, just follow the links,...

Advice taken... bell housing is definitely coming off. and I did some more digging and was able to find the manual... I ended up just printing off what I needed and putting it in a binder. Must be the military part of me, we have binders for everything! Might as well have one for boat repairs.