gimbal's bearing place question A1

[sarantis]

Hi all,i have some questions about the gimbal bearing of A1.At the bottom of the bore where it's placed there is a hole sidely cut(i don't mean the grease hole close to it).What's its role?I put a cable in it and it leads to the inner of the boat but nowhere special.Do i have to fill it with grease or it's to bypass any water may appear there?The same question i have with the hole at the top of the flange of the transom housing. In adition between the gimbal and the final seal in front of it there is a free space . Should i feel it with grease?

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

It's a drain hole, if your outdrive shaft starts leaking (Especially on the Alpha I drives without the reservoir) you notice the gear lube leak before you loose all the gear lube and destroy your drive.
It will also leak water if the bellows should leak water.

 

[sarantis]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

Thank you Don S .

 

[rmurray]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

So this small hole should not leak anything? It appears I have some gear oil leaking from this hole. The boat has not been driven so I don't think there is any internal damage. Is this a really bad sign or just an easy repair? Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

Is this a really bad sign or just an easy repair?

Yes, it's a bad sign, and it's easy for me to repair, not sure about you.

 

[rmurray]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

Your probably right. I'll have it checked out. As long as its an easy repair for someone, I won't have to worry too much. Thanks Don!

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

As long as its an easy repair for someone, I won't have to worry too much. Thanks Don!

Perhaps, you may have misunderstood my answer.
It is easyfor me to do it, because I do it for a living. All you have to do is remove the drive. Remove the double bearing carrier/input shaft/input gear assembly, take it appart. Replace the seal and perhaps the yoke the seal rides on. Then put it all back together and make sure the bearing preload is correct and the shimming for the gear is correct. (use special tools as needed by the manual). Do a vacuum and pressure test to verify the repairs fixed the problem. Fill the drive with gear lube. Check the engine alignment and if all is well, put the drive back on.
Should cure the problem.

 

[rmurray]

Re: gimbal's bearing place question A1

Thanks again Don. I was planning on replacing the impeller and any necessary seals anyway since i just bought it the boat (or at least having it done by a professional). I guess this is just one more thing to do while it's apart. Thanks!