1988 alpha outdrive

[a. kulas]

I have a formula 29pc 1988 w/twin 350 and alpha drives. the port drive will move laterally several inches w/o moving the sterring wheel. I have been told that the gimabel housing needs to be replaced by one dealer. Another mechanic has told us that he can cut out access to the bushing and replace it w/o removing the engine. What do you think I should do?

 

[Don S]

Re: 1988 alpha outdrive

I doubt the transom shield needs replaced. More likely the gimbal ring. What you need to do is have one of your mechanics show you where the slack is, then you describe to us what is happening. Lots of things could be wrong.

 

[dubs283]

Re: 1988 alpha outdrive

im woth don...rarely does the gimbal housing need replacement with steering slop

unless the wear is so excessive that the ears on the bottom that house the lower steering pin are worn, or there is excessive wear/damage on the upper portion where the steering pin that attaches to the ring seats

the second shop you mention is on the right track if only the gimbal ring is needed to be replaced, you may want to ask the first shop to fully explain why the gimbal housing is needing replacement

fyi - if in fact the gimbal housing is needing replacement, it would be in your interest to get an ENTIRE transom assy installed new - the cost will be the same as having to pay labor for installing just a new gimbal housing/ring, and all your transom assy parts will be brand new with warranty

 

[a. kulas]

Re: 1988 alpha outdrive

Thanks for your response! The best way I know to describe the problem is that you can move the drive several inches side to side without engaging the stering linkage. When looking at the upper pivot point on the drive, you can see that something is broken where the steering link connects to the drive. There is no access to this area w/o removing the housing. One guy said he could cut an access window in the housing and repair it. Is that possible and is $1800 a fair price?

 

[Don S]

Re: 1988 alpha outdrive

First thing you need to do is Click Here and download the OEM service manual so you know what is going to be done.
Go to section 4B, it shows the access plugs that get drilled in the housing for plastic plugs. This is how you get to the nut on the top of the steering pivot shaft.
Sounds like the gimbal ring is going to be your problem. When the bolts get loose they wear the aluminum ring quickly. The bolts holding the gimbal ring to the pivot shaft are supposed to be checked for torque yearly, but it seldom gets done.

Personally, I would not drill the access holes, time to pull the engine and the transom shield, and fix it right. Time wise will be about the same compared to drilling and tapping and tinkering with that top nut.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1988 alpha outdrive

Personally, I would not drill the access holes, time to pull the engine and the transom shield, and fix it right. Time wise will be about the same compared to drilling and tapping and tinkering with that top nut.

Ayuh,.... Ditto that....

I'll pull the drive, 'n motor, 'n transom assembley off, then throw on a Used transom assembley for $200./ $300....
Add a bellows change out, 'n shift cable,...
Then back in with the motor, 'n drive...

you can maybe part out the beat assembley to fixup somebody else, lowerin' your co$t$....