I admit defeat

[jumpjets]

I have been working on replacing my gimbal bearing and bellows the past few days. I got the gimbal bearing out and back in no problem, but the bellows have been a total nightmare. I have had rusty, broken bolts at every step, and I'm no longer having fun. Usually I like tinkering with mechanical stuff, but I am NOT enjoying this messy job.

I found a rip in the u-joint bellows, and the shift cable bellows, and there was sea water in a lot of places is should not have been. This also explains why there is always a gallon of water in my bilge after a day of boating.

I've got the old bellows out, but I know that I will not be able to get the new bellows and shift cable back in. I'm going to bring my hacked up mess to the local boat repair shop, and see if they will finish what I started for a discount, since I did half the work.

I've built and installed several car engines over the years, but this outdrive is totally defeating me. I think it's because I had someone show me the ropes with car stuff and demonstrate how to perform certain tasks, but I've attacked this boat sight-unseen.

 

[nola mike]

Re: I admit defeat

Well, getting the rusty stuff apart is usually the hard part. Really, once you're to this point, replacing the bellows and cable isn't that tough. Sometimes you just need to walk away for a minute, and stuff gets easier when you return...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: I admit defeat

check your messages

 

[wca_tim]

Re: I admit defeat

Hey neighbor, send me an email or pm if you like... I live up the road in Greenville and my girlfriend lives in New Bern so I'm down that way a lot. I'd be happy to take a look and see if we can't get it knocked out. I'm no pro, but I likely have any tools you're missing and have done what you're having a hard time with more than a few times... Have you done the alignment, etc..? Let me know if you want a hand - unless things are really assed up, we could probably finish it in a few hours or afternoon... oh, and don't worry, I'm not looking for anything except maybe another friendly face on the water down that way. Cheers, Tim

ps. if you decide to take it to the shop, be REALLY careful who you take it to down there... I hesitate to speak ill of anyone or any shop, but I know of a couple people who have had nightmares with at least one shop in nb. I'd have to make a few phone calls to be certain...