gimbal ring bolts

[mainecray]

I have a mecruiser alpha one gen one outdrive. Is it ok to tighten the two bolts at the top of the gimbal ring to get rid of slop at the steering shaft? My mercruiser book says dont tighten these bolts to get rid of the slop, and a local boat mechanic says its ok. any ideas? thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal ring bolts

My mercruiser book says dont tighten these bolts to get rid of the slop,

Is this a Mercruiser publication, or some aftermarket manual that states that?

Because the OEM owners and service manuals say to check the torque on those ubolt lock nuts at regular intervals.

 

[mainecray]

Re: gimbal ring bolts

I actually saw it on another boat how to web site.


there are two bolts passing through the gimbal ring. These bolts where torqued to 50-55 ft pounds when the unit was first assembled. It helped the gimbal ring clamp-down tightly on the upper steering shaft.

The ONLY time these bolts should ever be torqued is when the gimbal ring is new and it is being installed for the first time.

They should never be torqued in an attempt to eliminate free-play in the steering. Free-play is a result of wear and distortion in the gimbal ring.

If you have free-play, the gimbal ring has to be replaced. NEVER tighten the two retainer bolts if you have free-play. If you attempt to tighten these bolts there is a good chance the gimbal ring will snap and fail. This usually happens while you are on plane and going fast.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: gimbal ring bolts

Oh my we seem to have a difference of opinion here.

 

[Don S]

Re: gimbal ring bolts

Sounds more like someones opinion instead of fact. Where did this "Other forum person" get his information from???????
Like I said, originally, Mercruiser has it in the maintenance schedule in the owners manual and the service manual for the engine and the drive to retorque them.
Here is the portion from service manual #6 page 1B-2

And here is a link to that section of the manul. You might want to explain to the other guy that it should be retorqued.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6B1R3.PDF

 

[mainecray]

Re: gimbal ring bolts

Thanks guys I guess I will tighten them and see if that helps.