How to align new gimbal bearing

[rdc]

I just installed all new bellows, and gimbal bearing on my OMC Cobra. I can't get my drive back on the last 2 inches. Looks like I'll have to buy an alignment tool. What is exactly involved in aligning the new gimbal bearing? Or the local shop charges $95.00/ hr. How long should I expect for them to align, and install the drive. Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

Aligning the engine involves raising and lowering the front of the engine by using the front motor mounts as jacks. But unless the mounts are loose or damaged, you probably don't need the engine aligned. But you do need to get the inner part of the gimbal bearing lined up with the coupling so you can get the drive on. <br />If that is all it needs, then it would take me about 30 seconds to align the gimbal bearing. It's just stick the alignment bar into the gimbal bearing and as far into the coupling as possible with minimum force, then tap the bar sideways at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees lightly with a rubber mallet till the inner bearing lines up with the coupling and the bar goes into the coupling easily. (Use lots of grease on the alignment bar and don't use heavy force)

 

[rdc]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

Thanks for the info Don. I'll get an alignment tool on e-bay. I didn't know that the inner race of the gimbal was movable.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

rdc,<br />Put a screwdriver into the u-joints and try to rotate the shaft.If you are locked into the splines you won't be able to turn the shaft.<br /><br />If this is the case,disconnect the ignition coil,and have someone 'click' the starter while you push in on the drive.Generaly works like a dream.<br /><br />I do this alot,using a remote starter button.You just want to 'bump' the starter.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Don S]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

DHP, not questioning your process, it will work, I have done it myself. But for the safety of someone not familiar with these things that might be a VERY dangerous.<br />To put the drive on, you have to have it in fwd gear, and need the prop on there to hold it. Now put a remote starter button or even worse a friend at the starter to bump the engine over. It catches and the prop turns. Oops, someone forgot to let off the start button/key and now we have someone wrapped up in a turning prop. Even though the engine won't start, it's going to do damage.<br />Just a thought......

 

[qystan]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

I found turning the prop a good way to line up the splines. Works everytime.<br /><br />For Merc Aplhas, the hold on the prop prevents it slipping out and eases the alignment of the shift shaft lever with the shoe.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

Good point Don.That is why a service manual is always the best,in case we omit something. <br /><br />Actually the older (pre-volvo) Cobra drives instal in neutral,so you can turn the ujoint shaft with a screw driver.But once the splines are engaged,some bellows are too tight for the the u-joint assembly.Takes more than two grown men to push it any further.Just won't go.<br /><br />That's when I use the startet-click method,and the darn thing goes in so fast you end up scratching your head.<br /><br />DHP

 

[hoot]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

don't know about the cobra, but on my pre-alpha,there was a lip inside the gimbal housing that the u-joints have to be lifted up a little to clear. and i was able to push on my prop with my left boot if i needed to rotate the shaft a little. and you're not the first to not know the inner race of the bearing moves or gimbals to align the coupler/bearing/shaft.

 

[rdc]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

My alignment tool has been bought, and should be here tomarrow. I'm almost positive it's just the new gimbal bearing needs alignment. My Cobra goes on in neutral, and I have turned the shaft to enguage the splines. Once the splines line up I feel it go in some. I also know by experiance how hard it was to get past the u-joint yoke with the old orignal bellows. It passes thru easily with the new bellows. So I'm going to do what Don suggests and tap on the alignment tool in those four spots with a rubber mallet. Hopefully that does it. Thanks again guys

 

[rdc]

Re: How to align new gimbal bearing

I also just wanted to mention that everything was origanal, and had not failed. The boat is 18 years old, but only about 425 hours. I've only owned it for 3 yrs, and put on 200 hours on it.