Mercruiser Message Board Needed - A GOOD ONE

[abl1111]

Hey guys. I am looking for a message board for Mercruiser's that is as good as this site is to SC's. I know it's a tall order to fill ( if even possible ), but if you know of one, pls send me the info.

Also, tech question: My 3 yr old/new 5.7L, 350 HP, freshwater cooled Mercruiser is making a really sh*tty sound @ 1800 RPM or more, when I turn the steering wheel all the way to one side or the other, or when I lift the trim up. Sounds like a mechanical sound i.e. a bearing connecting the drive and engine ?

Anyone have a clue ? Thx

[doug7488]

Sounds like the gimble bearing. It is located in the transom bracket or "helmut" bolted to the transom on the back of the boat that the drive itself is attached to.
It could probably wait until you pull the boat out for the winter. Not to big a deal, but the drive has to be removed.

[lost2a6]

Could also be a U-joint, gimble bearings usually make a winding noise all of the time.

[abl1111]

Bringing it in tomorrow - I'll let you know what it is. Thx for the input.

[spareparts]

if you have any questions on Mercuiser, give me a shout, I've been working on them since '85, certified since '87. Currently have a "Master Certification", I can't fix them over the line, but I might be able to help you out

[abl1111]

Thank you. It turns out it was my gimbal bearing. It was only (3) yrs old with 250 hours on the whole package. It was properly lubed etc in the Spring. The mercruiser guy I bought the package from initially thought I might have put the drive on without the 'main drive seal' seated correctly thus water intrusion, but it was sealed up nice and he keeps saying that I must have used the boat with the trim up too much ( which I know is wrong too because I never ever do that ). So, is it a common thing ?

Also, where can I buy a real Mercruiser shop manual without getting my butt reamed ? I just want the engine one, the drive I won't bother with.

In your experience, what are the most important preventative maintenance things to perform ? Also, is the add'l mercruiser warranty worth it ( I have the option to buy one before March ) ?

Thx...

[doug7488]

try Ebay for the manual. If you can afford the warranty, go for it.

[gss036]

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewforum;fid=24
Check here, several forums. My buddy seems to have to chage his gimbal bearing on his Mercruiser about evey 3-4 years, so must be commom.

[1bayouboy]

Check alignment every year; lube the gimbal bearing and the coupler (the coupler can be a pain depending on installation); change gear lube. Do you get cooling water via the drive only, or via a seacock??? At 350HP I'd think you have a Bravo I; I'd consider a drive shower to...I have one that's very effective.

[nestorpr]

Try Sterndrive.com