Merc Bell Housing Removal (Alpha)

[Brentathon]

So, I'm in the process of replacing my Upper Swivel Shaft Seal/Bushings; When you remove the Bell Housing, do you remove the water tube cover/grommets on the inside of the boat, and leave the water hose clamped to the Bell Housing? Is there any reason to remove the water tube from the Bell Housing, if you don't plan to replace it?

For curiosity; I don't plan to replace trim/limit senders (they were);p what prevents water from coming in where the wires go through the Gimbal Housing?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Merc Bell Housing Removal (Alpha)

The Mercruiser manual says to remove the water hose from the tube that passes through the transom. And to do that you DO remove the compression grommets from the inside of the boat and then remove the tube. I have to do that when I remove my bellhousing. My hands just can't fit to put the hose back on the tube in that small space.
The trim limit & position senders don't really waterproof anything, but they do help keep grease in the spot where the pivot bolts sit. They also are connected through the transom as you said by their wiring. So even if they are not doing anything you still need them on the drive.

 

[bobhol]

Re: Merc Bell Housing Removal (Alpha)

I just changed my water hose and it was so easy it was unbelievable .I have read how difficult it was and was prepared for the worst. I dipped one end in boiling water fo 30 secs. and it went right on first time .I then read I should have used bellows glue on it so I took it off ,smeared glue everywhere and did it again ...no sweat ....maybe hot water is the trick ....my hands weren't near the tube as I pushed it on from 6 inches down where the hose was not in the water...regards,Bob

 

[dubs283]

Re: Merc Bell Housing Removal (Alpha)

what prevents water from coming in where the wires go through the Gimbal Housing?

the two white, tapered halves on the wires comes together to form a plug which is held in place by a clamp and bolt

 

[cr2k]

Re: Merc Bell Housing Removal (Alpha)

On the water hose.....

I know I speak for everyone of us here who has struggled for an hour or so to replace one.. smart a**!

Good luck on the rest of the project! Sounds like you have it dialed.