Ok when I pull the motor and install my new 502... what do I need to do to align the gimble bearing?

Thanks all!!!

Are you replacing it? Or just installing an engine?

Just installing a new engine...

either way you will need an alighnment tool. new engine = check engine alighment and mount adjustment. un less its solid mounted.

Hmmmm alignment tool?

Biggest thing is having a good alignment tool and making small,1/2 turn adjustments on the nuts. If your bottom nuts weren't loose and didn't get turned in the process of pulling your old motor out you shouldn't have to do alot to get it aligned. I made my own alignment tool a little longer than mercs so it is easier to work with and so I could get a good "feel" of the drag when sliding it in and out and turning it,Smitty

"Bottom nuts" on which? I removed the gimble bearing from the flywheel of the 454 it was nice and secure... I am sand blasting the 502 flywheel and I will replace the gimble bearing on the 502's flywheel.

I am sorry I sound like an idot here... but this is my first time. We removed the engine by simply unbolting the engine mount from the hull (leaving them connected to the engine) disconnecting accesories, removing the belt drive wheel from the harmonic balancer and the engine slid forward right off the drive shaft. Now if I do the reverse on the new motor... this will not work? What would I use that too for and how?

Again I am sorry for the bother... I am just new to this all.

The gimbal bearing is not on the flywheel. It is in the gimbal housing. See attached link.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...GIMBAL+HOUSING

You will need a puller and installer to replace that bearing. The bearing must be aligned to the grease tube when installing it in the gimbal housing. Also, red dot goes out towards you.

[QUOTE=Longrange4u
Again I am sorry for the bother... I am just new to this all.[/QUOTE]

Gotta learn somehow. Here's the place to get the answers. Might be best to have someone who has done this before to work with you. Alignment is important. Good luck

The coupler is bolted to the flywheel...no need to adjust anything with the gimbal.