Any one that wants to do that job for 3-5 hours labor, I suggest you go ahead write that check and let them
I like the way you say it sounds like a fun job...:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Doing that job can suck something feirce sometimes.

 

Any one that wants to do that job for 3-5 hours labor, I suggest you go ahead write that check and let them
I like the way you say it sounds like a fun job...[emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]
Doing that job can suck something feirce sometimes.

Agree 10,000%. Did that job on that exact setup and it took me all day. But that was with a rented puller and hand tools. PITA does not begin to describe that job. Could be easy or could be a nightmare job.

 

Sorry guys, just realized this was posted in the classifieds.

Thanks for your feedback... now to hear from a local mechanic.

 

I never took my boat to anyone for service. Owned both the same motor/drive you're talking about and a few different outboards. I'm a shade tree mechanic that has done everything to every boat I've ever owned myself. I've done the job your talking about quite a few times. 3-5 hrs of labor is CHEAP and on the low end for even someone with all the correct tools etc... Oh and I'm local. So does that count.

But I've wised up and to change out a gimbal bearing again, I might pay someone to do that job. Holding your tongue just right to make things go back together right is an understatement. And get anything mis-aligned going back in, and you'll be right back to where you started or worse.

 

I owned a boat repair shop for 12 years, does that count???

 

why you give it up?

 

Severe health issues and a broken back.

 

I've done it about 5 times. When your on a budget and if your mechanically inclined, it is not that hard to do. I'm sure some fellow members will let you borrow a couple of tools that you will need. When I did it to my boat, I asked some questions and I met 2 life long friends right from this forum that came to lend a hand and had the alignment tool and that boot wrench that I needed. That's how this forum use to be anyway. Good luck, I will check and see if i have anything that might help you if you decide to tackle it.

 

Gang, I appreciate the offers.

First and foremost, I did not mean to offend anyone with my statement "local mechanic". Should've stated instead "local marina" or something similar as I was hoping one of the service managers/mechanics could give a rough estimate out there as the labor charge.

Guess we'll use the boat till my nerves can't take it any more and then really consider the options you have offered.

My biggest thing is I like to learn by doing. Just like Daddy would do... he'd point and I'd shoot i.e., walk me through the process by standing over my shoulder and let me turn the wrenches. If we could possibly do this in a day (preferably out of fishing season) I'm sure the wife could make us some good vittles, grilled or otherwise, sweet tea as well as various bottled type of refreshments Even leave some change in your pocket for your trouble.

Oh, and to make a new friend or two is always an added benefit.
.

 

I would quote between 3 and 6 hours labor @90 an hour. It can go quickly or it can go VERY VERY BADLY. This is definitely a job I don't enjoy doing.

It is not a good idea using a boat with a failing gimbal bearing for the following reasons:
You can damage input shaft $300...
The gimbal bearing siezes and spins in transom assembly, this means replacing transom assembly $1500 (an estimate) and pulling the engine.
The input shaft seized to gimbal bearing, this will take an ACT OF GOD to remove the drive and bearing.

Good luck, fix it and don't put it off.

 

And THAT is why I got out of the inboard business. 4 stroke outboards, old or new, can be repaired usually.