233 Mercruiser Gimbal Housing Repair

[Bob Browne]

Re: 1977 233 Mercruiser gimbal housing. The thin aluminum ring which helped support the drive shaft (large) bellows corroded off. Previous owner had pulled the bellows up farther into the housing onto the bulge, but I would like to repair the damage. Does anyone have any experience with making a new aluminum ring and TIG welding it in place? Replacing the gimbal housing involves removing the engine and replacing the gimbal housing at a cost of $300-$900 for a replacement housing.