Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

[donzi3250]

--- 1999 Donzi Z-3250 with twin Mercruiser Bravo III's attached to 454 c.i.(7.4 liter) EFI's. The port-side outdrive wobbles about an inch or two while the starboard side is taught. The "mechanic" at the marina says $90 just to check it out. I keep it in rack storage so I have complete access to the outdrives. Any thoughts on where I should start the diagnosis is much appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

You'll need to be able to Visually Inspect All of the mounting points,+ the steering linkages,.....<br />While an assistent Shakes the outdrive,+ then the steering wheel..............<br /><br />That much Slop shouldn't be too hard to find............<br /><br />The connection between the Tiller Arm,+ the Gimbel Ring,..Is the Hardest to See,+ Is the Hardest to Fix,...... <br />And 1 of the more common wear points...........<br /><br />Good Luck,....<br /><br />BTW,..... Welcome to the forums here at iboats.com,.....<br />And,.......<br />I wouldn't be posting an email address on this forum,.. Or any others,......<br />That's just 1 way the Spammers will Find You...............

 

[donzi3250]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

Bondo:<br /><br />Thanks... I ditched the email address. Also, thanks for the info. Looks like I should locate: A. All of the mounting points. B. The steering linkages. C. The Tiller Arm and Gimbal Ring.... Is there a schematic or something I could refer to? I hate to have to get spoon fed, but hiring a boat mechanic is not an option right now. I appreciate your helping me, BIG TIME.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

when was the last service that included retorqueing the gimbal ring to steering shaft nuts? the square shaft will wallow out quickly if that maint is not done.book says 100 hours or yearly. but it could also just be slack in the tie bar ,if used, between the tillers. I think DonS has posted a drawing someplace. if he sees this he may do it again. I cant figgue out how to do it. some tie bars are just sloppy. so have a look and post us back. digital pics are always good

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

Roberto, I alwats go to dougrussell.com to look up diagrams of my engine/drive. It may be several mouse clicks to get to it, but once you find it once, you'll always be able to find it. I know there is a very good view of the gimbal ring & that steering shaft that the guys speak of. And once you see it, you'll understand why is wears & can develope slack. How ever since you obviously have twins, you have to check more stuff too!

 

[donzi3250]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

Rodbolt:<br /><br />I don't believe the retorqueing has ever been done. I will try and locate the square shaft and determine if it is ruined. I'd like to see what Don S. might have posted, but not sure how to contact him. I'll also try and get digital pics. Thank you!!

 

[donzi3250]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

TilliamWe:<br /><br />I found the manual at dougrussell.com ($30) and will have to get one. I have to go to West Marine later and will see if they have one I can "look through" for a few minutes. Thanks for your help!! I'm obviously new here, but this iboats website forum (thus far) is worth the entire monthly cable fee I pay to get here.

 

[elpaso]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

Both of these sites will show you picture parts<br />breakdown of your Bravo 3.<br /><br /> http://www.hlsm.com/ <br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/SelectModelType3.asp?class_id=1

 

[donzi3250]

Re: Mercruiser Bravo III outdrive wobbles

Elpaso:<br /><br />I just printed out the pics and heading to the boat now. I should know more by Sunday. Thanks for the links!