merc 165 with slight grinding when shifting into gear

[AaronR]

I finally got my spark problems fixed, my wiring gremlens addressed and really appreciate the help I have been provided here.

I have a few last questions,

First, when I shift into forward or reverse there is a slight grinding.

Where do I check the gear oil on the '72 165? I found the lower drain plug but I couldn't find an upper vent plug on it anywhere. I drained the oil that was there(maybe a qt) which looked good, no water or milky color, and refilled it from the bottom with about a quart.

What all could cause this grinding? It's not bad, and only grinds for a second but I know it cant be good.

Also, when it is running I hear a sound from between the outdrive and the gimbal housing that sounds like a small jet airplane. The exhaust bellow is completely torn, could this be my noise or is it more likely a gimbal bearing?

Is there any way to check the bearing without removing the outdrive completely?

It looks like you can change the exhaust bellow without removing the drive, is this correct?


Once again, I really appreciate all the help I have been offered here!

[achris]

I finally got my spark problems fixed, my wiring gremlens addressed and really appreciate the help I have been provided here.

I have a few last questions,

First, when I shift into forward or reverse there is a slight grinding.

The grinding is normal if you are shifting too slowly. The correct way to shift dog clutches is a quick positive movement. They don't like being 'halfway' in.. It's not like the clutch in your car.

Where do I check the gear oil on the '72 165? I found the lower drain plug but I couldn't find an upper vent plug on it anywhere. I drained the oil that was there(maybe a qt) which looked good, no water or milky color, and refilled it from the bottom with about a quart.

The vent screw will be on the starboard side of the upper housing.

What all could cause this grinding? It's not bad, and only grinds for a second but I know it cant be good.

Also, when it is running I hear a sound from between the outdrive and the gimbal housing that sounds like a small jet airplane. The exhaust bellow is completely torn, could this be my noise or is it more likely a gimbal bearing?

Is there any way to check the bearing without removing the outdrive completely?

No... Why the fear of removing the drive? It's a great opportuntiy to check the unis at the same time, and the engine alignment...

Here's some videos to help ease the pain...

Removing drive: http://youtu.be/w3O63YTOhn8

Checking alignment: http://youtu.be/w118LGsYgY4

Installing drive: http://youtu.be/aGVrY4cWiDA

It looks like you can change the exhaust bellow without removing the drive, is this correct?

Yes, but it SOOO much easier with the drive out of the way...

Chris........

[AaronR]

Were any of these drives made without the vent plug? I will look again but I did not see it there and the oil runs out of the drain/fill plug like the vent may already be removed.

How much oil should it hold?

[AaronR]

Nevermind my ignorance, I found the vent plug

[achris]

Nevermind my ignorance, I found the vent plug

ROFLMAO....

Glad you're happy...

[AaronR]

I decided to go ahead and pull the drive, I followed your video and am stuck, or actually the drive is. I removed the trim rams, removed the 6 bolts holding the leg on and then pulled like you did. It moves out about 1/2 inch and stops. I have wiggled and hit with a rubber mallet and I cannot get it to move any farther.

Any ideas?

[achris]

Are you in forward gear? Have a look at the installation of the drive video and you'll understand why....

[AaronR]

Alright, well it turns out my gimbal bearing is a little rough.

Would you have any advice to make changing it easier, or perhaps a video?

Are there any other things I need to replace or check while I have the drive off?

[AaronR]

Alright, well it turns out my gimbal bearing is a little rough.

Would you have any advice to make changing it easier, or perhaps a video?

Are there any other things I need to replace or check while I have the drive off?

After I have the Leg off i'm mostly stuck. I have searched online and all the videos I see show alpha 1 and new drives which appear to have a different removal method than my pre alpha drive.

Does anyone have the manual that would show the removal process of the gimbal housing?

Do I have the block the motor up and remove the bellhousing to replace the gimbal bearing and the bellows?

Should I replace U joints while it is out?

What about the shift cable, it feels fine but the bellow is torn, does the shift cable need replacement?

[achris]

Use a slide hammer and a 3 jaw puller.... Just pull the gimbal bearing out from the same side as the drive came out... Removal is the same from the earliest to the current models... With the exception that some very early ones had a big circlip holding the bearing in... Once you remove that, all the rest is the same...

If the shift bellows is torn it's likely the other bellows will need doing too.... Time to open the manual and have a read...

Chris..........

Slide hammer, just turn the fingers around the other way....