Alpha one gen 2 gimbal bearing greasing

[mike1266]

Hi guys,

I just got my boat on the water for the first time and I'm not sure if it's because I haven't been on it for a while, but I hear a low rumbling noise when the engine is on. I felt that it might have been the gimbal since I haven't greased it yet. I know that any grease is better than no grease, but will this grease be sufficient (link below)? I used it for my bearing buddies as well. Does the grease fitting take the same grease gun that I used for my trailer wheel bearings?

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-marine-grease-400-g-0280880p.html

Also, is it possible to over-grease the gimbal? How many pumps should I put in? I heard that I should be pumping it while the engine is on to distribute it evenly.

Thanks for any help!!

 

[Rick Stephens]

I would strongly suggest that a new to you used boat, which is an old neglected boat to the previous owner, needs all the maintenance items gone through before you take it out on the wet. Get the Mercruiser manual for your drive and motor, or at least use the online version from boatinfo.no, and go through ALL the maintenance items. You must assume none of them have been done by a previous owner.

If a gimbal bearing is rumbling, it is time to replace it. Too late for grease. U-joints and gimbal need annual maintenance and greasing. The impeller should be serviced and decision made whether it will fail and toast your motor. Oil in the outdrive replaced. That's also an annual item. Hoping anything works right is asking to have to walk back from wherever you break down.

Rick

 

[mike1266]

I would strongly suggest that a new to you used boat, which is an old neglected boat to the previous owner, needs all the maintenance items gone through before you take it out on the wet. Get the Mercruiser manual for your drive and motor, or at least use the online version from boatinfo.no, and go through ALL the maintenance items. You must assume none of them have been done by a previous owner.

If a gimbal bearing is rumbling, it is time to replace it. Too late for grease. U-joints and gimbal need annual maintenance and greasing. The impeller should be serviced and decision made whether it will fail and toast your motor. Oil in the outdrive replaced. That's also an annual item. Hoping anything works right is asking to have to walk back from wherever you break down.

Rick

Thanks for the tips, the boat has been mine for 1 season prior to this and I have gone through all the maintenance items. My main question is if the grease I linked is compatible with the gimbal bearing. I'm not sure if the gimbal is rumbling or I'm overreacting because I haven't gone on it in the winter, so I was going to try a few shots of grease and see how that sounds. I completely agree with the steps that you listed for a new-to-me boat however, it is very useful. Thank you for that!

 

[Yegboats]

Yes Its compatible NLGI grade 2 for extreme pressure