Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

[Bcrowe]

Hey there folks,
I am hoping to get some help here. I have another post about removal of a subborn outdrive. In the process of trying to remove the outdrive(as you can see in the pic I havent been successful yet) I damaged the gimbal houseing. I was trying to use a pry bar to loosen up the outdrive and broke a big chunk of aluminum out of the gimbal houseing. Do I need to replace this part, or is there some type of reapair that can be made. I feel like an idiot. Oh well, thats part of learning huh? I hope that you can help.

 

[Bcrowe]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

I cant believe I forgot to ask this but if anyone can supply the part number for me if I do need a replacement that would be helpful as well. This is the gimbal housing for a 1975 888 drive.

 

[achris]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

That's the bell housing... part number is -68417A1...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

have it welded.... also consider lifting the engine a little to free the outdrive

 

[Bcrowe]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

Thanks smoke,
I wasnt sure if it was the gimbal housing or the bell housing. In my ignorance honestly didnt know there was a difference. thanks for your help

 

[JustJason]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

It's be bell housing, no such thing as a gimbal housing. There is a gimbal ring. And then there is the transom plate.

Yours i fubared, I don't know about having it welded, if the weld fails your up a creek with a sinking boat. Your best bet is to find a new/used 1 on ebay or CL.

Next time take the trim rams off, lift up the drive, stick a 2x4 in there, and slam the drive down on the 2x4 a few times... it will come off.

 

[Bcrowe]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

Jason that is what i did with the drive. pulled the trim cylinders, slammed it down about 80 times on a 2x4 and it has only moved 1/4 inch...I dont care about the drive because its trashed I just want the dang thing off...so i decided to try to pry on it...bad move now I know ..but dont know what else to do.

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

It's be bell housing, no such thing as a gimbal housing. There is a gimbal ring. And then there is the transom plate.

Not exactly Jason.
The Gimbal Housing (as Merc calls it), is the transom shield.
There is also a Gimbal Ring, and a Gimbal bearing. But there is no such thing on the back of a boat called a "GIMBAL"

 

[Bcrowe]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

Sorry about the terminology confusion. I understand its the bell housing...I was afraid it was trashed...found one on ebay for 75 bucks is that a decent price? just dont wanna get hosed...have had enough aggrevation already.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

Not exactly Jason.
The Gimbal Housing (as Merc calls it), is the transom shield.

You are correct Don, (hehe.. as always). I actually jumped into the parts lookup to see what merc calls it. Like you said, it is infact called a Gimbal Housing per Merc. Up here + with the shops I deal with we all call it the transom shield or transom plate.
Regional terminology thing i guess.
Kind of like and outdrive, sterndrive, drive unit, a leg, or a foot.
A switchbox, a powerpack, a cdi unit,
Pulser coil, exciter coil
Ignition coil.... Ignitor.

The list never seems to end does it.

found one on ebay for 75 bucks is that a decent price?

New ones are 600 and some change.... how's that?

Bcrowe, How old a boat is this? If the input shaft is rusted to the gimbal, and if you have an older style... ahem gimbal housing with the snap ring that holds the bearing in place you could be up a creek here. As stated, you may have to undo the motor mounts and "jiggle" the motor a bit if it's stuck in the coupler. But if it's not stuck in the coupler you may have to slide the motor fwd, and pull it out. Then beat the shaft through.

Did you put the drive in foward gear with the shifter before you started this?

 

[jtybt]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

That's a good price. Make sure the hinge pin bores are good as well as the threaded shift cable bore and lower shift shaft bore/bushing. check the water 'O ring' and machined mating surface as well as where the drive bellows connects.

You'll also be able to inspect the gimbal housing for corrosion when you get the bell housing off.

 

[Bcrowe]

Re: Do I need to replace this Gimbal Housing?

This drive is on a 1975 sea ray. According to the guy I bought it from he put a engine in it the year b4 i bought it. I have come to the conclusion from all of the crap i have stumbled across he was an idiot and didnt pay much attention to the finer points of maintenance. so I would not be suprised if everything is all rusted together. I have the original maintenance manual for the boat and did all that it said to do to remove the drive including placing it in full foward gear first...i just cant get the drive to come off...I have managed to with the 2X4 strategy get it to move back 1/4 to 1/2 inch just cant get it to break free.