Mercruiser manuals

[jensen73]

This spring I need to replace my lower shift cable, tune up the motor(spark plugs, wires, points etc.) and replace the gimble bearing(it makes a clicking sound if you spin the prop by hand). So I was wondering what manuals I need to get to study up and make sure I get the correct parts. A little info about my boat. Its a 1989 Larson Laser 180 with a Merc 4.3L engine SN # OC534431 175 hp and alpha 1 outdrive SN # OC650468.

 

[frank246]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

The clicking is not the gimball bearing when turning the prop by hand.
It is the shift mechanisme that click when shifted in to gear turning the prop in one direction and that should.
It is impossible to turn the gimball bearing by turning the prop with the engine still in, you will cut some fingers off first.

This does not mean that there can be something else wrong with the bearing.
Some one will chime in with the specs/ manual.
Good luck!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Take a look at this link,the manual should be in there,
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1693398#post 1693398

 

[jensen73]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Thanks for the info, can I buy the manuals somewhere other than ebay. A local boat shop told me the gimble bearing was shot and I thought they said it was the clicking, but its been a few months since I talked to them and I don't always recall thing correctly.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Did you click on that link that Gary posted???? That link takes you to OEM service manual downloads, for free, right here, and NOW.

 

[jensen73]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Found my quote from the shop. I had them winterize the boat(first boat first year wanted it looked over). It states on my invoice that it has a "noisy gimball bearing" can this be checked out of the water, because I know they didn't put it in.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Found my quote from the shop. I had them winterize the boat(first boat first year wanted it looked over). It states on my invoice that it has a "noisy gimball bearing" can this be checked out of the water, because I know they didn't put it in.

Yep,The drive needs pulled yearly and the bearing and u-joints inspected.
Go to the link and get the service manual...
No need to buy one when they are here for free!

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Yes it can be checked out of the water. Remove the outdrive and reach in and turn it. If there is any roughness at all, the bearing is bad.
You may have water in the bellows, did the drive get removed during winterization?

You might want to visit the Adults Only stick at the top of this forum and do some reading. Sounds like you are somewhat inexperienced in boat maintenance and repair.

 

[frank246]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Found my quote from the shop. I had them winterize the boat(first boat first year wanted it looked over). It states on my invoice that it has a "noisy gimball bearing" can this be checked out of the water, because I know they didn't put it in.

Na, you ll probably have to spin the bearing hard to hear some noise.
Renew the $40 bearing when the drive is off to replace the shiftcable, dont forget to inspect the boots and put in a new pump impeller.
Also check the engine allignment with an alligning tool before replacing the out-drive, mis allignment can cause the bearing to become noisy.

 

[jensen73]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Yeah, I found the link. Just thought it might be nice to have the Manual in the shop when working rather than printing a bunch of pages. The link will let me start studying a get a parts list together. Does the Manual give a tool list or do I need any specialty tools.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

The manual lists the special tools needed, but in many cases you don't need special tools to do a particular job.
It doesn't take any special tools to remove the outdrive and do an inspection. Then you will know what to look for in the manual. You might want to look at the manual first BEFORE you go buying one. They are not a DIYer manual that tells you exactly every move to make to fix or check something.

 

[jensen73]

Re: Mercruiser manuals

Thank you all for the information. I have little experience with boats, besides using them. With anything mechanical though, I can take it apart, put it together and follow schematics. I just have very little diagnostic skills. Any recommendations where to find oem parts online or any good aftermarket parts brands. Thanks again.