Gimbal Bearing Failure in Volvo 3.0L Engines: A Marine Mechanic's Perspective

Question
I recently had two replacement bob tail engines (Volvo 3lt) owing to a flooded engine room. Both engines were seized with salt water (both these engines and outdrives were only 3 yrs old). The mechanics have just finished with the fitting and supposedly undertaken the sea trials, and have now been paid.  The first time I started the engines up the starboard engine was making a noise. The mechanics now tell me its Gimbal bearings that have gone.

I have spoken to two other marine yards and they inform me that these bearing should have been changed when the bob tails were fitted, given that the engines were contaminated with salt water, and that you can only tell if the bearings have gone with the engine running. Strangely enough, the yard has renewed the port side Gimbal bearing?

What抯 your opinion?

Regards

Gordon Butcher


Answer
Hi Gord...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

After the port gimbal bearing was replaced, did the mechanic offer an explanation as to why it was necessary? It doesn't make sense to replace one and not the other, particularly if the starboard one has the same symptoms.

The onus is on the mechanic to do a diligent job, and if he hasn't, I'd complain to his superior and request and explanation as to why the starboard gimbal bearing wasn't replaced. There's an element of professional reliance resting with the repairer, and they must be accountable.

Safe Boating
Ron