Installing gimble bearing on 86 OMC Cobra 4.3L

[BEANSTALKER]

I'm installing a new gimble bearing on my boat. Removal was pretty easy. How far do i install the bearing?. I know to line up the grease hole, but the question is how far should i drive it & which side should be facing out?. Should i drive it flush until it stops, my manual does not explain that part of it. Also i'm replacing the exhaust bellows. My old one that came off is solid with no cuts. The replacment one looks the same, but all the ribs are cut on one side, is this normal or a revision. If so, which way should the ribs be pointing?? Thank for viewing this post.

 

[pra100]

Re: Installing gimble bearing on 86 OMC Cobra 4.3L

I don't have my manual in front of me to explain on gimble right now but as far as the exhaust bellow,the replacement bellows will have the slits in it.The slits fase down.The later OMC Cobras like mine had the slits in the bellows from the factory.

 

[BEANSTALKER]

Re: Installing gimble bearing on 86 OMC Cobra 4.3L

What about sealing the bellows. Will permatex silicone sealant work. I know everybody says to use omc sealant, but it's got to be similiar?? & afterall you want a sealant that's waterproof & flexable to flex with the bellows.

 

[pra100]

Re: Installing gimble bearing on 86 OMC Cobra 4.3L

On my exhaust bellows I did not use sealant.But know if we are talking the drive shaft bellows that is a different story.I went to my local merc.dist. and bought some merc.bellows adesive.From what I read when I did mine was not to use the silicone type stuff.