Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

[vwduud]

I have read through many posts where our moderator Don S has indicated that the Gimbal Housing cannot be removed from the transom with the engine installed (my drivetrain is an Alpha One with 3.0 Litre I4 - 1994).

I also read through the Adult Section of this forum, in a manual on the Alpha One where it has instructions on removing the Gimbal Ring by cutting an access hole in the area of the steering lever on the Gimbal Housing. This allows you to apparently remove the nut holding the steering lever on from the "outside" of the hull, as opposed to the inside where the engine would be in the way if installed.

With the Gimbal Ring out of the way, what are the other obstacles that prevents removing the Gimbal Housing from the transom with the engine still installed?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

With the Gimbal Ring out of the way, what are the other obstacles that prevents removing the Gimbal Housing from the transom with the engine still installed?

The inner transom plate is held to the transom by the gimbal thru bolts. If you leave the engine installed the rear mount will have no support and it will fall. (I guess you *could* make a support for the rear of the engine......It's FAR easier to pull the engine if you're going to go all the trouble to make a support for the rear of the engine)

Just pull the engine. You need to have the transom plate out of the way to easily get to the inside nuts and to be able to inspect the cutout for water intrusion anyway.


Why don't you want to pull the engine?

 

[vwduud]

Re: Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

Why don't you want to pull the engine?

Thanks for your reply.

And I haven't ruled out pulling the engine. Just weighing my options.

So besides rear engine support and steering arm removal, what other obstacles would make removing the Gimbal Housing with the engine installed a challenge?

 

[vwduud]

Re: Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

Why the adversion to pulling the engine? Maybe an couple hours for a complete novice, 30 minutes if your really good.

The main aversion is not having a hoist or support. My current home only has a carport (no garage). So, getting the engine out of the boat would require equipment that I would have to either rent, purchase or fabricate. Not a big deal; just...

Pulling the engine still may be the best solution. These posts are helping me understand the additional work involved if I do not. Keep 'em coming.

BTW, what are backyard mechanics using to hoist the engine out of the boat? Rented hoist? Something fabricated?

 

[marife]

Re: Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

I agree with all that have addressed this issue. Nevertheless I was able to do it (total time 3 hours) by supporting the rear of my engine with 2 2x4 (vertically). Not fair because my boat has plenty of space 94 formula only one engine. Granted the exhaust pipe was somewhat tight but accesible.

Good luck

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

Just trying to figure out what you are doing. Sounds like you are trying to remove the gimbal ring? If so, is it because it has excess side to side play? If so the first thing you should do is try retorquing the two gimbal ring bolts to 55# to see if that tightens it up. If not just ignore this.

 

[Rat Capri]

Re: Gimbal Housing Removal - Engine Installed

BTW, what are backyard mechanics using to hoist the engine out of the boat? Rented hoist? Something fabricated?

I bought a 1/2 ton gantry crane and a 1/2 ton hoist from Northern Tool for my engine swap. The crane was $350 and the chain hoist was $58, it sucked having to buy that stuff but I still saved over $1800 doing it myself instead of having a marina do it.