Alpha I 1995 Gimbal Bearing Check

[msd58]

I read somewhere that by turning the boat's wheel all the way right or left and reving engine in nuetral depending on the sound it can tell whether or not its starting go bad. If I have this all wrong please give the correct method.

thanks

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Alpha I 1995 Gimbal Bearing Check

correct method is drop outdrive and check gimbal by turning with finger...it should turn freely with no "rough" spots......while its apart you should also check alignment and change bellows if there more thana couple of years old

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha I 1995 Gimbal Bearing Check

correct method is drop outdrive and check gimbal by turning with finger...it should turn freely with no "rough" spots

I agree with that 100%. Turning the wheel full one way or the other and reving the engine will let you hear the ujoints straining.

I also have to disagree with the 2 year change of the bellows. Even in salt water, the Mercruiser bellows are good for 5 years. The 290 style Volvo bellows need changed after 2. They are really thin.

 

[msd58]

Re: Alpha I 1995 Gimbal Bearing Check

Ok so its fro u-joint check thats why I asked. What does u-joint strain sound like?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha I 1995 Gimbal Bearing Check

A low rumbeling sound.