Lubricating Gimble Bearings

[postjim508]

I know I have seen this thread before, but I can't find it.

Searay 176 Bowrider 3.0L Alpha II.

The Mercruiser owner's manual claims that the gimble bearings can be lubed without pulling the outdrive. I'll be darned if I can find or figure out how to reach a fitting packed in behind the engine. Stupid question 1: Am I right in looking on the inside of the transom in the engine compartment? The pictures in factory manuals leave something to be desired. Is it remotely possible that I can do as the manual says?

I'm a pretty good car mechanic, and I am not adverse to pulling the outdrive, just a little apprehensive. Is this as big a deal as I am creating in my head? The service guys at Searay say that this is how they lube the bearings and the drive shaft. I believe that the u-joints are permalubed.

Any help or guidance will be greatly appreciated. I haven't taken her to the factory mechanics since I bought her in 2002 and I don't want to start now.

Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: Lubricating Gimble Bearings

Here is a picture of the location of the zirk. I took it from the Mercruiser manual. I assume what you are calling a "factory manual" must be from some company like Clymers or Seloc, and not Mercruiser.
You should also be pulling that outdrive yearly to inspect for water, or oil in the bellows and check the alignment.

 

[postjim508]

Re: Lubricating Gimble Bearings

Thanks Don,

So, I was asleep when I posted the message.

I meant to ask about the coupler and shaft splines. I have done all the other lubrication, engine oil, and lower unit oil changes as recommended (Including hinge pins and gimbal bearings). I now have 175 hours on it and it is time for coupler and spline lube.

The mercruiser manual states, "The sealed coupler and shaft splines can be lubricated without removing the drive unit." This is what I was talking about in my misstated question before.

"You should also be pulling that outdrive yearly to inspect for water, or oil in the bellows and check the alignment." I hadn't heard or read that before. I can certainly look for oil or water. How would I find out about drive alignment?

Thanks again,

Jim

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Lubricating Gimble Bearings

There is such a thing as an "alignment tool".....
Basically a chunk of machined metal about 2 feet long...
Someone sells them on ebay....
I picked mine up for $25.00....
They also make good self-defense mechanisms ......JK

 

[Don S]

Re: Lubricating Gimble Bearings

Here is a picture out of your owners manual.
You may have to turn the engine to see the zirk.