Hi:
1997 Alhpa Gen 2 serial# 0K162382
I just purchased a mercruiser bellows kit (part# 30-803099T1) which came with a new (ungreasable) gimbal bearing. My existing bearing is in average condition, its not bad, but starting to get slightly loose. I figured that I would change it as preventative maintenance.
The kit came with the newer style bearing (part# 30-879194A01) where the inner race is a little shorter on the aft side of the bearing. I believe this is to accommodate some of the bigger u-joints on bravo drives. Also, from what I found, the apha Gen 2, starting with 1998, all take this newer style bearing with the shorter inner race. My 1997, per mercs parts manual, takes the bearing where the inner race sticks out the same distance on both sides of the outer race (part# 30-803099T2).
Since the new bearing will work in a 1998 gen 2, shouldn't I be ok to use it in my 1997? The kit that I bought said that it was good for gen 2s and it didn't state that there was any difference in older gen 2s vs. newer ones. And, I don't believe that merc offers a bellows kit for the gen 2 with the longer raced bearing.
I'd prefer to change the bearing now that I've got everything torn apart, but I don't want to put in a bearing that might create a problem. Has anyone come across this or has anyone used a bearing with the shorter race in an older gen 2(1997 and before)?
Thanks
1997 Alhpa Gen 2 serial# 0K162382
I just purchased a mercruiser bellows kit (part# 30-803099T1) which came with a new (ungreasable) gimbal bearing. My existing bearing is in average condition, its not bad, but starting to get slightly loose. I figured that I would change it as preventative maintenance.
The kit came with the newer style bearing (part# 30-879194A01) where the inner race is a little shorter on the aft side of the bearing. I believe this is to accommodate some of the bigger u-joints on bravo drives. Also, from what I found, the apha Gen 2, starting with 1998, all take this newer style bearing with the shorter inner race. My 1997, per mercs parts manual, takes the bearing where the inner race sticks out the same distance on both sides of the outer race (part# 30-803099T2).
Since the new bearing will work in a 1998 gen 2, shouldn't I be ok to use it in my 1997? The kit that I bought said that it was good for gen 2s and it didn't state that there was any difference in older gen 2s vs. newer ones. And, I don't believe that merc offers a bellows kit for the gen 2 with the longer raced bearing.
I'd prefer to change the bearing now that I've got everything torn apart, but I don't want to put in a bearing that might create a problem. Has anyone come across this or has anyone used a bearing with the shorter race in an older gen 2(1997 and before)?
Thanks