Alignment tool and what else

[badbowtie]

I have a mercruiser out drive 1985 I have the motor out and obviously the out drive off I am going to replace all bellows and gimbel bearing while it is apart. I am going to buy a alignment tool do I need a gimbel bearing tool for it to install it and a seal driver head for it also.
Thanks David

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Alignment tool and what else

To remove the gimbal bearing (in most cases) a slide hammer with a dual jaw puller attachment works well. Since you have your engine out already you may be able to just tap the bearing out from the inside of the bilge.
Re-installing the bearing goes alot smoother with the special driver head, though it can be done without.
Also when installing the bellows the expander tool helps them slide on easier.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Alignment tool and what else

To remove the gimbal bearing (in most cases) a slide hammer with a dual jaw puller attachment works well. Since you have your engine out already you may be able to just tap the bearing out from the inside of the bilge.
Re-installing the bearing goes alot smoother with the special driver head, though it can be done without.
Also when installing the bellows the expander tool helps them slide on easier.

most auto parts stores will rent you the slide hammer for next to nothing (ours you pay the replcement cost for deposit and then get it refunded in full when you bring it back - even if you keep it and then get strapped for cash a year later...)

I liked the exhaust tube instead of bellows... TONS easier to get on and unless you plan to beach your boat in heavy surf with the drive up and the waves crashing into the back... it'll probably work as well or better than the bellows. get good bellows adhesive, and either the tool or long strong fingers help... oh, and patience...

ps. I backyard engineered a piece of pvc tube with another spacer and a center rod to use to tap the new gimbal bearing in. I cleaned everything up carefully and made sure no burs, etc... light oil and it "tapped" right in with no issues... just don't get it cocked and try to beat it in - unless you want to buy another.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Alignment tool and what else

I have a mercruiser out drive 1985 I have the motor out and obviously the out drive off I am going to replace all bellows and gimbel bearing while it is apart. I am going to buy a alignment tool do I need a gimbel bearing tool for it to install it and a seal driver head for it also.
Thanks David

dave i taped my gimble bearing in with a 3/4" drive socket that fit the out side bushing the bearing sets in. if you dont have the proper driver just make sure you dont pound on the bearing its self.
if you have your motor out there are some things you may want to check before you put it back in. these are some things i did on mine this summer when i had the motor out.
i put a new o-ring in the y-pipe on the bottom where i bolts on the transom ***.
just retorqe the 6 (i think thats how many i had) bolts that hold the transom assembly on
reasealed the drain plug under the the transom assembly. in the bilge
replace the rear motor mounts.my 454 had saged and the motor mount are only $35 a pair...................maybe not change but worth checking

just some ideas for you. i wasnt able to reach any of this stuff when my motor was in. wanted to make sure it was ok befor i put it back in

 

[badbowtie]

Re: Alignment tool and what else

I was going to check a couple things I was going to reseal the drain plug.
I actually need to pull the y pipe out and just plug it since I don't use it any way. I will have to check the motor mounts.