Gimbal Ring Replacement

[jaybob275]

I have a pre-alpha on a merc 228 and I need to replace the gimbal ring, steering spline, and steering arm due to many objections on the board over safety. Thanks btw, I don't wanna die b/c of stupidity.

But I would like recommendations as to how to do it. I have an engine lift for the boat, and I could pull the motor, to get at the gimbal ring but I hear there is a kit/easier way to do it.

What do you guys think? What's easier or any tips on pulling the motor?

JBI

 

[boatguya1]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

For customers I do the access plug kit if the are trying to save money. For my own stuff I pull the motor. Details for the access plug kit are in the manual.
James

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

Yeah....I don't like the idea of drilling holes in the transom mount. I'd pull the engine too...but I have everything to do it too....

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

I tried that plug kit and it sucked. I would pull the motor.

 

[Zackman]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

I pulled the motor too... But there is a third option that many people like through JR Marine up in Ohio. Here's a link to their website which details the removal http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm and repair http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm​

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

the jr kits might not work with the older alpha style drives...

 

[jaybob275]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

Mike's Alphas--it's an ebay store, has gimbal rings on the cheap. We paid like 200 for the gimbal ring....so we're going to pull the motor I think, but what about the alignment tool? Is it needed?

jbi

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

but what about the alignment tool? Is it needed?

Uh. YES. You should always check the alignment after pulling the drive. It's about a 5 min job if everything is correct.

 

[gaznaturel]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

i already use the kit plug and it took me a day to replacement with seloc manual , alpha one , mercruiser 4.3Lx , the worst was to find 1'' tap for the plug

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Gimbal Ring Replacement

I didn't want to use the plug kit either, so I JB Welded the aluminum cutouts back in and repainted, worked great, have to look really close to see anything. If anyone is interested, pretty easy, once I figured out how to do it, I can post some pix.