MC-1 Gimbal bearing snap ring.

I have an early 70's vintage Merc 140. Just did U-Joints on the drive now I'm trying to replace the gimbal bearing. Mine has the snap ring, I'm having a difficult time getting snap ring pliers down in the gimbal housing to remove it. Do you guys have any tips or tricks for getting it out? I couldn't find a super long set of snap ring pliers at the hardware store.

Here are a few other posts for you to check out from the archives... just don't comment in any. They are just for research and commenting in them will get them locked out.

Ziggy in Post#5 talks about your issue
Old style gimbal bearing snap ring

And this one:

Also this one:

The part number for the actual long snap ring tool is:

Mercruiser 91-37240A1​

There's a used one on ebay right now for 99 clams plus shipping if you search that part number.

Thank you sir, I'm gonna try and modify a long needle nose today and see how it goe

Update: Got the gimbal bearing out, the snap ring was a pain. I got a set of long snap ring pliers and just had to tap them in with a hammer to get a good bite on the snap ring. It took me a while to figure that part out. I've attached some pictures of tool and old bearing. It appears to be in ok shape. A little bit of grittiness but not bad. Question though, the bearing I purchased is greaseable but there's no grease port on my housing. I'm thinking about greasing the new one on the bench and installing it to get me through the season. I plan on pulling the drive in the fall and doing bellows and a shift cable as they are in okay condition for now but want to replace eventually. Any thoughts on this? Also the old bearing was in a plastic cartridge with brass shims I assume the shims do not need to go back in?

Good deal. Glad you got it. Do you have an alignment bar? I don't see why you couldn't grease it before installing it. I don't know about the shims, I though I remember seeing them mentioned in one of those posts I have above. Others that know better will hopefully comment.

I have the alignment tool and the alignment is excellent, slides right in and out. I installed the new bearing without those shims it fits fine. It's hot outside so I was struggling to get the drive back on and tore up the new gasket in the process. Any tips for getting the drive back on? I felt like I needed 3 extra hands.

The plastic liner and shims was used in up to the early 70s. You do not need the snap ring anymore.

I installed the new bearing without those shims it fits fine.

Did you use an installer when hammering in the new type bearing?

I used an installer that goes over the alignment tool to install the bearing, it's in straight. I think I just need to get some blocks underneath the front of the trailer so I don't have to lift the whole weight of the drive. Gonna pick up a new gasket from west marine tomorrow and try again.

Depends on where you're getting stuck. I've found that the key is to get the drive perfectly parallel to the bellhousing. Drive sits on the ground, lift/lower trailer as necessary. How do you not have a grease zerk on your drive? I can't imagine they put in greaseable bearings without a way to grease them.

Be sure to glue the large sealing ring in the bell housing and let it dry good.
If that seal slips you will get water in the bellows and through the breather hole in the gimbal housing.
Setting the trailer so that you do not have to lift the drive is a very good idea if you do not have a hoist to hold it. A floor jack is helpful also.