Engine alignment and gimbal bearing install questions. Cobra outdrive.

[Keyboardman]

I've installed a new 2.3 in the boat and need to align the engine and install driveshaft seal and gimbal bearing before installing the out drive. When I removed the outdrive the gimbal bearing came out stuck to the driveshaft. The tool I bought needs a hole drilled in it for the bearing cup to work. The instructions say to insert the rod into the old bearing and coupler till it bottoms out and mark the rod at the bearing. Now, if the bearing is already out, how should I go about figuring where to drill the hole? Also, if the bearing and seal need to be in place to align the engine, how can I install the bearing without it already aligned? Thanks.

 

[kpg7121]

I've installed a new 2.3 in the boat and need to align the engine and install driveshaft seal and gimbal bearing before installing the out drive. When I removed the outdrive the gimbal bearing came out stuck to the driveshaft. The tool I bought needs a hole drilled in it for the bearing cup to work. The instructions say to insert the rod into the old bearing and coupler till it bottoms out and mark the rod at the bearing. Now, if the bearing is already out, how should I go about figuring where to drill the hole? Also, if the bearing and seal need to be in place to align the engine, how can I install the bearing without it already aligned? Thanks.

Well, you need to install the bearing then do the alignment.

 

[Bondo]

The tool I bought needs a hole drilled in it for the bearing cup to work.

Ayuh,...... Yer gonna haveta do the job, Without this cup,......

Is this some sorta bearin' driver attachment,..??
Seen pictures of 'em, but never had a hand on 1,......

 

[Keyboardman]

Well, I looked up the OMC tool to install the gimbal bearing. I made my own from the driving cup that came with the tool set and a piece of 1" pipe. It worked fine. I set the bearing with the hammer and using the alignment tool, I had to lower the engine about 3/4" to get it close and then one mount is now all the way it will go and it's lining up pretty good. This is a different block than the one I removed. Does it seem correct that one 2.3 would sit higher than another 2.3? Could the old engine been that out of alignment to start?