Removing Bell Housing

[orttauq]

I need to remove the bell housing on a 1975 888. I am looking to remove it because the hinges are really loose (sloppy) between it and the gimbal ring. Are there bushings or some kind of sleeve in there that I can replace?
Thanks for your help!

 

[dubs283]

Are there bushings or some kind of sleeve in there that I can replace?

No. Old style hinge pins were unthreaded and held in place with nails, later styles were threaded. The pivot area is metal to metal with grease being the cusion between. The only replaceable pivot points on the transom assembly are the upper and lower needle bearings for the steering in the gimbal housing.

If there is that much play in the bellhousing/gimbal ring your only option is to replace whatever is worn. Could be the pins, the bellhousing, gimbal ring or all three.

Given the vintage your best option is most likely replacing the entire transom assy with a "new" one. Find a donor boat or ebay/c list for options. FYI it must be an mc-1 style, no alpha style gimbal housing will mate with the Ford flywheel cover

 

[orttauq]

Thanks for the reply. This is for sure the side pins that are loose. I got the bell housing off yesterday w/o issue and the shims are bad/missing, the pins looks good so the slop is in the housing and the ring. I will try to get the ring out today; got the bottom pin out but got stumped on how to get the top out. I have no corrosion to deal with, just tons of dried old grease.

 

[dubs283]

got the bottom pin out but got stumped on how to get the top out.

You need to remove the nut on top of the steering shaft/tiller arm inside. Easiest way to access is to remove the transom assembly and do it on a workbench. Other way is to cut access holes on either side of the gimbal housing, use a punch and hammer to remove the nut and install the new one and plug the holes.

Mercury makes a plug kit that comes with a new nut that has relief cuts in it to tighten the nut with a punch and hammer

There is also an aftermarket kit that has a plate to cover the hole you may cut out of the gimbal housing aft portion. Unknown if they make one for your vintage assembly

 

[orttauq]

... to remove the transom assembly

Thanks! Watched a few Youtube videos on this and it look like it is no small task. Guess I will not be replacing the needle bearings

 

[Grub54891]

Depends on what you want to spend on an older boat. Possibly a machine shop could bore out the pin area and press a bushing in there to repair it.

 

[tank1949]

I need to remove the bell housing on a 1975 888. I am looking to remove it because the hinges are really loose (sloppy) between it and the gimbal ring. Are there bushings or some kind of sleeve in there that I can replace?
Thanks for your help!

You may have to remove gimbal ring but it aint going to be easy, unless you have easy access in the motor area.