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  1. Rivergator

    Gimbal Bearing Science

    Very interesting. And thanks a lot, flashback, for your effort to so clearly show how this thing is designed. Now this whole thing starts to make sense. I see now that it is not necessary that the hole in the outer race lines up with the hole in the carrier because of the offset groove in the...
  2. Rivergator

    Gimbal Bearing Science

    Thanks you Gentlemen, it's been a long time since I got so much good information in such a short time from so many. Everything is pretty clear now in my head and I think I am gonna send the bearing back for 2 reasons. #1, it doesn't swivel, it is really tight. I cannot imagine it is supposed to...
  3. Rivergator

    Gimbal Bearing Science

    The gimbal bearing in my Alpha One Gen1 housing right now happens to be the sealed (non-greasable) type. The bearing itself feels good, solid and tight but it feels that it is lacking grease. You can tell by turning it by hand that it just doesn't have that draggy feeling of a well greased...
  4. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    I just caught a video of someone explaining the bolt thru the driver, that does sound a bit half assy to me too having to drill a hole through the bar. The tool #3 is the one that I have received and which I returned because it was too thick and would not allow to slip thru the gimbal bearing. I...
  5. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    I am looking at all the alignment tools from a single alignment bar to the fancy bearing pullers and installer attachments. Can anybody tell me what tool #1 is for? Why does tool #2 has a bolt through it and the tool in picture #3 doesn't. Are they used for the same purpose or different...
  6. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    Well, what can I say that Forrest Gump hasn't said already "Stupid is what stupid does". The reason why I am even posting this here is not to put myself down, no that's not it. To me it is nothing more than Murphy's law at it's best and I am just laughing about it and consider the whole dumb...
  7. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    Ok the verdict is in. The tool is bad (.). How stupid is that? I mean how difficult is it to turn a shaft on a lathe to precisely 1.375". Unbelievable! Anyway, I went ahead and ordered a new gimbal bearing (I am fine with that, because it will be needed in the future sooner or later I am sure)...
  8. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    Ok, the starter is on my bench and it is deader than a door knob. Strange thing is that both the starter and the solenoid don't utter a peep. If one would work and not the other I could understand, but both. And I made sure I had voltage, good ground and some. Could I have blown the starter the...
  9. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    Thanks Alumarine for the information
  10. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    I looked, couldn't find anything. Can you tell me where you saw it. Remember I am looking for the gimbal bearing specifications, specifically the inside diameter. Not the measurements of the alignment tool. I know what they are. Thanks
  11. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    Thanks, that's would be great
  12. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    Does anybody know the precise inside diameter of the gimbal bearing in inches?
  13. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    I did the measurements about 10 times just to make sure. I checked the caliper for ZERO being 000000 and it was always the same. But I will do it again using a different caliper, good idea. If the measurement had been correct I would say it is just a matter of getting the engine lined up close...
  14. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    sb = should be. Then the question is did I order the wrong tool for my application or did I get a tool with sloppy dimensions. That's why I listed all the components that come in touch with the tool when aligning. If the tool is correct for my set up then it is more or less clear why it stops at...
  15. Rivergator

    Alignment Tool

    I just received my after market alignment tool and went to work to give it a preliminary quickie test (I don't want to make the same mistake I did with my starter and assume it is fine). Right off the bat I am having nothing but trouble. I have a spline shaft that I can insert about 1/4 in to...
  16. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    Thanks Nola for mentioning that. I will know when that bugger in on my bench. I am really dying to find out what the problem with this thing is. It kinda surprises me that I have a problem because the starter is brand new. I got it over a year ago, installed it on the engine 4 months ago and a...
  17. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    Nola, in essence you are right. I had that gut feeling too, but was looking for a miracle. By making sure that the starter spins but not engage I would be assured that the starter works. By making sure that the pinion gear engages without spinning I would be assured that the solenoid works, but...
  18. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    You can do anything if you spend the time reading up and understanding it. And don't mind getting dirty. Rick, that's me. I am constantly reading up on everything and learning being on Iboats forum picking y'alls brains and I sure don't mind getting dirty doing it. Well anyway, Kenny Nunez gave...
  19. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    No Rick, the motor was not test run before installing. It was installed to be test run. I rebuilt the motor myself (see my post "Overhauling my 1988 Alpha One Drive Train"). Maybe a machine shop has the facility to put engines on a test stand but the average dude like me has to do things one...
  20. Rivergator

    1988 4.3 ltr engine starter wiring

    The engine was put back in the boat 3 weeks ago after being rebuilt. It has no manifolds, no plugs, no hydrolocks, no drive. I should have started a new thread asking "How to test this starter" and starter only, bypassing all solenoids, wirings, ignition key etc. At first I thought I had a...
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