DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

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I want to change the u-joint bellows on my '73 Sea Ray model 888 mercruiser. It looks good, but I bought it two years ago and I know what will happen if it doesn't make it through the season. {I moor it]. My question is: I have the old style that doesn't have the kind that the hinge pin tool works on. It is the pressed in type. What drive is this referred to? What type of special tools are required to remove & re-install the hinge pins on this model? I have Merc manual stern drive #6, and I don't see mention of this. I could be doing a Mc Goo here, but I just don't see it. I have been guilty in the past of doing the job with out removing the shift cable or water hose I need to know what special tools, (if any) that I need to remove & re-install the bell housing? I'm leaving for France on Monday , and would like to get anything ordered (toolwise) before I go so it will be here when I get back. Furthermore, can I replace the gimbal ring & bell housing with a newer one in the future, and have it bolt right on? All alphas look alike so I think it would be OK, but I know you guys have wrestled them for a long time & know for sure......Welcome back Don S. I guess I'll have to call off the "Thunder Dome" match now! Thanks for your time guys...Jeff

 

[achris]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Jeff,<br /><br />The hinge pins are pressed in and locked with an aluminium cross pin. You'll need to remove the crosspins then use a slide hammer to remove the hing pins. They are the old style (sometimes the gimbal housing is refered to as 'without ears')<br /><br />Also, you have the wrong manual. You should have #1 (2 book set). If you can't find that one, then manual #2 will cover you.<br /><br />The rest I'm a bit tired to think about (too old I guess and I'm in the middle of packing). I'm also sure the other guys will help you out plenty. Like you I'm off also. Have to go and earn some money. (I'll have to let the other achris's fill in for me ). I'm going to the Phillipines for a few weeks, then I'll try and get to Russia again. I expect to be gone about 6-8 weeks.<br /><br />Please, no 'Where's achris' posts, ok? <br /><br />Chris............

 

[Bondo]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Furthermore, can I replace the gimbal ring & bell housing with a newer one in the future, and have it bolt right on?

Ayuh,......... That's pretty much a Direct Swap..........<br />

I need to know what special tools, (if any) that I need to remove & re-install the bell housing?

Well,... A Slide-Hammer is needed to remove the Pins we're talking about.........<br />A Bellows Expander will Help with saving some Skun Knuckles,+ Alot of Grief........<br />An Alignment Bar for checking everything after the install.........<br />I Believe an 1/8th" Drift is the size needed to remove the little Locking Pins on the Hinge Pins..........<br /><br />

I'm leaving for France on Monday

That's Too Bad..............<br /><br />I Hope it's to Bring Home some of Their Money,+ You're Not going as a Tourist...............<br /><br />

Please, no 'Where's achris' posts, ok?

achris Who ???....................

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Any links for manual 1 & 2? I'm going as a tourist, my girlfriend has been bugging me to go & I heard they have wine over there& and a casino & big steel look-out tower too. Achris: Bon Voyage!

 

[Don S]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Here is one place you can find the manuals. Merc manuals <br /><br />Chris, have a great trip. Sounds like fun, except for the time in the airports.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Thanks Don, any freebee links for the hinge pins? I'd rather put the $70 towards the bellows .........Jeff

 

[Bondo]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

This is the Best I can do..........................

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Thank you kindly..........

 

[Don S]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

The link Bondo gave you isn't going to help much, you have a different setup on the hinge pins.<br />I usually just use a brass drift and drive them in towards the bellows instead of trying to pull them out.<br />Use heat also, makes the process a lot easier.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: DonS.,Bondo,Rodbolt &Achris

Thanks, Don