1970 Mercruiser 120 bellhousing play.

[CaptBonnet]

Hello,

I have a 1970 Mercruiser 120 stern drive pre-alpha unit with the trim limit switch on top portion of gimbal ring. The bellhousing has the side pins that you need a slide hammer to remove and the nylon-type washers that go in between the housing and gimbal ring. I just noticed that the bellhousing has up and down play. I would like to know if there are oversized pins available or some type of aftermarket bushings/sleeves to insert in bellhousing to tighten everything up. I really do not want to replace the bellhousing. I keep it well greased, but it still has play. No cracks noted. I could not find anywhere in any forum addressing this issue. Thanks.

[dubs283]

is just the bellhousing moving up and down or the gimbal ring along with it??

if just the bellhousing, the holes in the gimbal ring are probably worn - don't know about bushings for the holes/pins - you may want to look into replacing the ring if its really bad

[Bt Doctur]

custom made to fit.Nothing on the market

[CaptBonnet]

Yes, it is just the bellhousing. The gimbal ring is fine. The side pins fit perfectly when they pass through the gimbal ring. It's just that the holes in the bellhousing, mainly on the left side looking forward, has play like the hole is elongated. Thanks.

[CaptBonnet]

I will buy new side pins. I am not at the boat right now, but I didn't inspect to see if maybe the pin was just worn. Hopefully, it is just the pin. Otherwise, I'll just have a machine shop make an over size and ream out ring and bellhousing just a tad. Won't hurt.