First Impressions of Sierra International 189855 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool
Marine mechanics, weekend boat warriors, and seasoned service professionals alike understand the critical importance of proper gear shimming in maintaining the longevity and performance of their outdrives. That’s why Sierra International‘s 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool immediately caught my attention – it’s a specialized tool designed to simplify and improve the accuracy of this vital task, potentially saving time, money, and headaches down the road. The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool promises precision and ease of use, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My own experience with outdrive maintenance has been a mix of successes and frustrating setbacks, primarily due to inaccurate shimming. The time spent tearing down a lower unit again to correct a poorly shimmed gear set is something I never want to repeat. I was hoping this tool could be the solution.
Upon unboxing, the tool felt solid and well-made, giving me confidence in its potential for accuracy and durability. While I haven’t used similar tools extensively, the Sierra International offering appeared more robust than some of the universal measurement tools I’ve encountered. The promise of interchangeability with Mercury 91-60523 and GLM 90170 added to its appeal. I was cautiously optimistic; the proof, as always, would be in the application.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra International 189855 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to use the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool came during a scheduled service on a client’s Alpha One Gen II outdrive. This particular outdrive had been exhibiting excessive gear noise and a slight vibration at higher RPMs, indicating a possible shimming issue. Using the tool, I carefully measured the upper drive gear clearance. The tool’s clear markings and stable design made the measurement process significantly easier and more precise than using traditional methods involving feeler gauges and estimation.
The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool performed admirably, even in the somewhat cramped and oily environment of the service bay. The tool provided consistent readings. This allowed me to select the appropriate shims with confidence, correcting the gear clearance and ultimately resolving the noise and vibration issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use on various MC-I, R-MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One/Gen II drive units, the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my toolkit. There are no signs of wear or deformation. The tool cleans easily with standard solvents and shows no evidence of corrosion.
Compared to my previous experiences with less specialized shimming tools, the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool has significantly reduced the time required for accurate gear clearance measurement. It has minimized the risk of costly errors. The tool consistently delivers precise results, exceeding my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Sierra International 189855 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool
Specifications
- The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool is designed to measure upper drive gear clearance on MC-I, R-MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One/Gen II drive units. This targeted application ensures accurate and reliable measurements for these specific outdrive types.
- Sierra International part number is 18-9855. This number ensures easy identification and ordering.
- The tool is interchangeable with GLM 90170 and Mercury 91-60523. This interchangeability adds to its versatility, making it a valuable addition for shops that service multiple brands.
Performance & Functionality
The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool excels at its primary function: accurately measuring upper drive gear clearance. Its design allows for consistent and repeatable measurements. This is crucial for proper shimming and optimal gear performance. The tool is well-made and intuitive to use.
The primary strength of the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool is its precision. It minimizes the guesswork often associated with traditional shimming methods. A potential weakness is its limited application to specific outdrive models. While it performs flawlessly on supported models, it cannot be used on other types of drives. It exceeds my expectations by streamlining the shimming process and providing consistently accurate results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool is designed for durability and ease of use. The materials used appear to be high-quality. The tool is sturdy and provides a stable platform for accurate measurements. The tool is comfortable to handle.
The design is user-friendly. There is no complicated setup or calibration required. Its intuitive operation minimizes the learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust construction of the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool suggests it will last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning with a solvent is all that is typically required to maintain it. The tool’s simple design minimizes the potential for damage or failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool does not come with any additional accessories. It is a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose. There are no customization options available or necessary.
Pros and Cons of Sierra International 189855 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool
Pros
- Provides highly accurate measurements of upper drive gear clearance.
- Significantly reduces the time required for proper shimming.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Easy to use, minimizing the risk of errors.
- Interchangeable with GLM 90170 and Mercury 91-60523.
Cons
- Limited application: Only compatible with MC-I, R-MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One/Gen II drive units.
- Price: Relatively expensive compared to universal measurement tools.
Who Should Buy Sierra International 189855 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool?
The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool is perfect for marine mechanics, boat repair shops, and serious DIY boat owners who frequently work on MC-I, R-MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One/Gen II outdrives. It is a must-have tool for anyone seeking to improve the accuracy and efficiency of gear shimming.
This tool is not recommended for individuals who only occasionally work on outdrives or who primarily service other types of marine engines. Those with limited budgets might find universal measurement tools a more cost-effective option, although with a compromise on accuracy and ease of use.
A complete shim kit is a must-have accessory to use in conjunction with this tool.
Conclusion on Sierra International 189855 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool
The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional accuracy and efficiency when measuring upper drive gear clearance on compatible outdrives. While the price point may seem high, the time saved and the reduced risk of errors justify the investment for professionals and serious DIYers. The Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool can save significant costs.
I would personally recommend the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool to anyone who regularly services MC-I, R-MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One/Gen II outdrives. It is a valuable tool that will improve the quality of your work and extend the life of your customers’ (or your own) equipment. Invest in precision – buy the Sierra International 189855 Drive Gear Shimming Tool today!