Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

[lakeranger]

Can anyone tell me whether a gimbal housing be separated from the transom, without disassembling the bell housing/exhaust and drive belows. I've replaced the 2 belows before and it is something I would like to avoid if possible. The boat is aluminum hull and the reinforcing wood/transom is rotten and must be replaced, hence the need for removal. Any advise would be great!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

I'm not 100% sure that I understand your question but if I'm reading right you are trying to avoid the bellows job again even though you need to replace the transom, eh?

If that's the case I believe the answer is yes. The inside transom shield half and the outside housing half can separate and then bolt up again without also having to redo the bellows job.

If I'm seeing correctly...

Have you got a 470 in there?

How's that running for you?

Cheers!

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Can anyone tell me whether a gimbal housing be separated from the transom, without disassembling the bell housing/exhaust and drive belows....

Yes... Just remove the drive and engine. Then remove the exhaust pipe and steering system and hydraulic hoses from the pump. Then remove the nuts holding the inner transom plate on and get the plate out of the way. Then just push the complete gimbal housing off the transom.... Piece of cake....

Look in the service manual under Removal and Installation -> http://www.4shared.com/document/zz_5pj9o/Service_Manual_06.html

Chris....

 

[Will Fish]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Yes... Just remove the drive and engine. Then remove the exhaust pipe and steering system and hydraulic hoses from the pump. Then remove the nuts holding the inner transom plate on and get the plate out of the way. Then just push the complete gimbal housing off the transom.... Piece of cake....QUOTE]

I would call it a piece of cake, especially if the bolts are old. You will have a tough time breaking the seal on them. But, yes you can remove the housing without having to disassembly the bell, gimbal ring, and housing. This may make it difficult to re-install, and it would definately help if you have an extra set of hands to hold it in place.

 

[alexr254]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

i think achris was being sarcastic...

Its a huge job and will take a bunch of time, GL with your project

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

i think achris was being sarcastic...

Its a huge job and will take a bunch of time, GL with your project

Nope,... I don't think so....

In an equiped shop, it's a 20 minute, maybe a 1/2 hour job...

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Nope,... I don't think so....

In an equiped shop, it's a 20 minute, maybe a 1/2 hour job...

I believe it took me about a half a day (maybe longer) to pull it all out/apart.

(Course I'm slow, marginally equipped, borderline doofis, doing the job for the first time, learning along the way, working in the driveway, while supervising 3 youngens, and taking a lot of photos for reference to put it back together)

I suspect this is your first crack at it too, so, your mileage may vary...

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Yes... Just remove the drive and engine. Then remove the exhaust pipe and steering system and hydraulic hoses from the pump. Then remove the nuts holding the inner transom plate on and get the plate out of the way. Then just push the complete gimbal housing off the transom.... Piece of cake....

I would call it a piece of cake, especially if the bolts are old. You will have a tough time breaking the seal on them. But, yes you can remove the housing without having to disassembly the bell, gimbal ring, and housing. This may make it difficult to re-install, and it would definately help if you have an extra set of hands to hold it in place.

It's not difficult to re-install, and you can do it on your own (I have only ever done it on my own). Just offer up the housing to the transom, line up the bolts on the holes and push it in. I use a VERY thin smear of silly sealant on the main seal (as I paranoid about leaks). Once you have it pushed on, it should (always has for me) stay on the transom. Jump up in the boat, fit the inner plate and a couple of nuts.... Another piece of cake....

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Another piece of cake....

All this talk of cake, I like this thread!

Course, I saw no cake during my transom assembly install. Bummer.

Well, if the Aussie says cake, I'll be looking for it next go round

 

[lakeranger]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

It is a 190. Been a while since it has ran but run well. Foam was wet, so I'm rippen and tearen, or maybe tearing.
Anyone have an idea of weight for the 190 engine? I was thinking of popping it out with my skidsteer if its within limits.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Skid steer lifting a 4 cyl engine out?

Easy as pie! (had my fill of cake, sorry)

The only trouble you'll have is just getting it up and over the transom which really just depends on the reach/height of your equipment there. That back end of your rig is kinda high.

Cheers!



[It may be worth while for you to do some reading on your driveline just to be aware of her unique characteristics. Purely a suggestion.]

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Skid steer lifting a 4 cyl engine out?

Easy as pie! (had my fill of cake, sorry)

The only trouble you'll have is just getting it up and over the transom which really just depends on the reach/height of your equipment there. That back end of your rig is kinda high.

Actually there is no reason you have to remove the engine from the boat. Just lift it high enough to move it forward (or the boat back) enough to get to the transom plate. Cupcake maybe LOL!

 

[Pete104]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Is it leaking at the gimbal housing?

 

[lakeranger]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

No, the transom is rotten, and will be replaced. I think the above photo might show that.

Wow, I just looked at the photo again and realize how rough it looks.

 

[lakeranger]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Have been following the manual, although it has nothing about separating the gimbal unit from the transom. The manufacturer must think this would never need to be done post purchase. lol

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Section 2 shows how to install the transom shield, just use the reverse order.

You also need to understand that the OEM service manuals were designed to assist Merc trained techs, not DIYers. Even a new trainee in a shop has a supervisor to help him learn, and Merc has a hundred training videos sent to it's dealers. Part of the basic training is how to use the service manuals.

 

[lakeranger]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

Thanks for that, I'm going to keep plugging away. Pulling the engine out of the way is next, I'm sure that will make it all more accessible.

 

[lakeranger]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal housing removal

With the engine out now everything is easy to access. The steering gear and lower exhaust had to go then it was all straight forward, so to speak.