Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

[Maddoxsdaddy]

I probably already know the answer to the question before i ask it because i've read alot of threads on gimbal ring repair...

When i had my outdrive off during motor replacement, i tightened my cinch bolts to the recommended 55lbs. The play was gone... but that was with the drive off. Now that the drive is back on, the side to side play is back.

Should i try the tightening sequence again with the drive on or is is most likely time for ring/steering shaft replacement/repair?

Can there be too much torquing to recommended 55lbs and eventual cracking of the gimbal ring? Meaning, can the ring be worn so much that if i torque back to 55lbs again, do i risk damaging the ring...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

Try removing, cleaning and retorquing the gimbal ring clamping screws. After torquing check both bolts, sometimes tightening one side will loosen the other. See if that helps. I know you have already done it once, but it is SO much less work to try again than changing the ring that it is worth it. Next you need to determine EXACTLY where the play is. There are two possibilities, either the square hole in the gimbal ring is worn and become somewhat rounded to the point where it no longer fits the upper swivel shaft tightly, or the steering shaft on the upper (small square) part of the shaft is loose. First you need to determine if the play is in the steering system Have someone get inside and hold the end of the steering lever and then try moving the outdrive, if that is solid your slack is in the cables and actuator not the ring. If you still have movement here is how to check: http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringwear.htm If it is the steering shaft it may just need to have the clamping bolt tightned, and the ring is probably OK. If the ring then you will need to pull it to get it rebuilt. You can pay someone (a LOT) or pull the engine and transom plate and gimbal housing or do this: http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringinst.htm If you do need a new ring, talk to these guys: http://www.jrmarine.com/ Let us know what you find. Good luck

 

[Maddoxsdaddy]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

I have had someone turn the wheel while i observed. Seems like most of the play is in the ring. When the drive was off, i inspected the ring and bellhousing as closely as i could (without taking it off) and did not see signs of wear. I'm going to try again before i go out this weekend to be on the safe side.

Can the cinch bolts stretchor is that a shot in the dark?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

Can the cinch bolts stretchor is that a shot in the dark?

Essentially no, if you torque them properly that should remove the play providing the ring is not worn too much.

 

[Maddoxsdaddy]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

Well, here's the results... I started by torquing each side to 35lbs, then 45 lbs... seemed to be getting rid of some play. All good right? NOPE!

I made the move to 55lbs and the ring cracked while doing the right bolt. So, now it's gimbal ring replacement time. Perfect timing for boating July 4th... so much for that idea.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

Sorry to hear that. It sounds like it was pretty worn. The Mercruiser manual says to retorque every spring, so if you do that you should not have the problem again once it is fixed. Good luck.

 

[Maddoxsdaddy]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

I ordered jrmarines kit and coverplate for doing the repair yesterday. Hopefully i will have it by Friday. I found a local shop with a gimbal ring from a 2004 GenII unit for $200 as well that is in "like new" condition. GOing to check it out this afternoon.

I've heard there are 2 series of Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrives. 1st series from 1990 to 1996 and 2nd series from 1997 to present. Is this true and if so, will there be much if any difference in the rings?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

They have the same pert number 865328A01

 

[Maddoxsdaddy]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Gimbal ring/steering play

Picked the ring up today for $200.. It actually is like new. He gave me the steering shaft to go with it in case mi current shaft is worn. I put the shaft into the ring and there is no play whatsoever... Keeping fingers crossed i get my other stuff before the weekend.