Gimble bearing failure?

[Gallen47]

I have a 2006 Bayiner 185. 3.0l
I was running the boat planed about about two thirds throttle. The engine race or revved a bit seemed like I may have hit something in the water. I shut her down immediately, opened the hood, there was a little smoke. She was a bit hot so I let the boat set for a minute and she fired back up but did not go in gear when I shifted. No forward or reverse. Got a little more smoke and smelt like something burning. Got her towed in.

Removed out drive and opened the top thinking the upper unit may have burnt up. Drive oil full and clean. Drained oil down and the gears looked ok.

If there was a gimble bearing failure would it prevent the drive from shifting into gear?

Can the outdrive fail on the lower end and cause this non shifting issue?

The gimble bearing has had a roar to it and sounded like it was bad, never had one go out so I do not know what problems occur when the bearing fails.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Gallen47

 

[Rick Stephens]

Probably a coupler failure. Pretty much exactly every symptom nailed by your description. Unfortunately means pulling the motor.

 

[GA_Boater]

A bit hot, smelling burnt rubber and no drive probably mean it's the coupler.

 

[thumpar]

Perfect example of what happens when a coupler spins.

 

[Gallen47]

Is there any way to test the coupler?

I have an old drive shaft that I can insert and try and turn the engine, so if it turns and the engine does not rotate then it surely is the coupler right?

Never really paid attention to how the are made inside?

Thanks again to every one for the input!

Gallen47

 

[Rick Stephens]

My bet is when you get the drive off you will see the toasted coupler right through the gimbal bearing.

 

[Gallen47]

I want to thank every one for the help. I inserted the drive shaft the other day and it turned with ease. The engine did not rotate at all. So the info was spot on. Today I pulled the engine and removed the cooked coupler. Fortunately I have another one.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Couple hundred saved. Right on.

 

[GA_Boater]

There ya go. Do you have an alignment tool? And how are the bellows? It's a good time to check.

 

[Gallen47]

Cooked. Yes I do have an alignment tool. The outdrive slid right in there. I knew the gimble was roaring so I replaced it. Bellow ok.

 

[Gallen47]

Ok got the engine back in but can not line up properly are there any differences in the bell housings this boat is 2006 and the bell housing could be late to mid nineties possibly a 2003. I have several and not sure which one I put back on this engine. They all look the same?

 

[Bt Doctur]

post some large pics of the rear mounts. most coupler failures are caused by collapsed rear mounts ,and not getting a good alignment will only cause the replacement coupler to go bad

 

[Gallen47]

When the coupler failed there was a shattered washer on one side, but I replace it. I have never had this much trouble getting an engine lined up. Is there a special tool that will fit the top of the engine mount? The older models had the front mount, this one is the side mount. I think may I am not adjusting it right. Seems kinda akward?