Bell housing hinge pins

[rebars1]

I have a 1971 Trisonic Merc 888, Ford 302, R(?) outdrive and have a few (more) questions. I am getting ready to pull the bell housing to replace the bellows, gimbal bearing, etc. and noticed that there are pins that look like nails holding in the hinge pins (instead of cotter pins). They are just stuck through with no bend or hook to hold them in. Is this right?<br /><br />Also, I have not noticed a zert to grease the gimbal bearing as I 've read other boaters having. Was this added on later models?<br /><br />Finally, in re-installing the risers to the manifold, is there any sealants recommended on the gaskets?

 

[vrod2002]

Re: Bell housing hinge pins

I just parted out a merc 888 with early model drive. The pins in question were bent over.As far as gimble bearing mine had no grease zirk either.Lower unit driveshaft went strait into rubber"cush" bolted to flywheel.Meaning no intermediate driveshaft between flywheel and upper gear driveshaft.

 

[Kiekhaeferscurse]

Re: Bell housing hinge pins

The famous Mercruiser nail came in 2 sizes (little & a little bit bigger), they are indeed intended to retain the hinge pins if you look real close theres a groove on the back side of the ring where the pin was meant to be bent over into, but usually the Nail is just rotted off. If you cant remove the nails you can either A: drill them out, or do as I do(at your own risk) and just drive the hinge pin into the bellows that your replacing anyways, This way you also dont have to worry about having the puller attachment for your slide hammer to get the pins out.<br />Cheers<br />P.S. the Little Nail is NLA so if you need to upsize your going to be doing some drilling.