89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

[MyBad]

With the help, and pictures, on here, I have learned a ton of stuff, about my Cobra, so thanks very much for that

Only had the boat a few months, and am in the middle of replacing the gimbal bearing/bellows ect.

I took the drive off today, and sure enough there was water in the bellows. No rust on anything, so maybe it was recent.

After I removed the drive I thought I would use the alignment tool, and see if it was aligned. It ain't:facepalm:

SO would it be smart to try to align it now, before I pull the old gimbal bearing out, and get it right now?

Thanks MB

 

[MyBad]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Having trouble removing the shift cable nut on the pivot housing, so I guess I will leave it and work around it. The numbers on the u-joint bellows are omc numbers so it may be original.

If anyone has an opinion on trying to align it now, or remove/replace the bearing then align it, it would be very much appreciated.

Time for a cold one....thx:joyous:

 

[Speak]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Replace the bearing then align.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Shift cable nut?PB Blaster.
Replace and align.
Got a manual?Factory is best.
While it's off,the bellcrank needs to be removed and cleaned and greased.

 

[MyBad]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Thank you very much, after a better look, it wasn't water in the bellows but a "puddle" of old grease.

Do have a factory manual, but some real world experience, I don't have. Again thank you very much for the advice.

With a flash light looking down through the old gimbal bearing, it does appear the engine needs to come up a tad.

Time to get to it....

MB

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Don't believe the flash light.
Get an alignment tool.
An old broom handle is better than your flash light
Seriously,you can do some expensive damage if you force your motor out of alignment.
The coupler might be hard to find if it's ruined?

 

[MyBad]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Thanks I do have an align bar. Even though I am having trouble getting it aligned.

 

[MyBad]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Gimbal bearing and seal in.

I know why I was hearing a clicking, knocking sound now, the alignment was way off.

Had to raise up the engine quite a bit. The bar slides in easy, and the grease spline streaks look even.

Will replace the u joints while it is apart. Should be good to go soon.

MB

 

[papichuloy2k]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

That is my next step, can you take pictures of your project as you go? Or following the Seloc will suffice to replace the bellows? Thanks and keep up. I have also trying to absorb as much information as possible on this forum. Good luck!

 

[MyBad]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

PICTURES ...man I should have done that. :embarassed:

I have both bellows in,gimbal bearing/seal pivot housing on, shift cable adjusted, everything cleaned, lubed, new engine oil, filter, drive oil, wires, plugs, cap, rotor, timed, water pump/impeller.

The u joints I guess I will have done. I have no experience doing that.

The weather here in the Bay Area has been outstanding the past week...and I am in the driveway in the boat....LOL

 

[papichuloy2k]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Awhh, I could've used some pictures as I need to remove the outdrive this season. I have no experienx with the alignment or gimbals. But, I will give it a try. This forum is a great source of information, so I am confident that I can tackle the job. Anyway, happy boating.

 

[MyBad]

Re: 89 5.0 Cobra Alignment

Just to update, I had to have someone press the u joints on, got the drive back yesterday, lubed everything, and the drive just slid right in no problems. I did find a drive stand with wheels, that really helped me out, as I did it myself.

So to anyone doing this for the first time, like myself, it was all really pretty easy. With the amount of info on here, with pictures, and personal accounts, tips, and tricks, I was pretty familiar with the process.

Saved a few bucks doing it myself as well! The best advice I got from here was, "Get a OEM manual"

Thank you all very much MB