Gimbal Ring Steering Shaft Seal

[kkalsch]

I am getting ready to change all the boots and shift cables on my Alpha I GenII and since I am going to have it apart .......what is the expected service life out of the gimbal ring steering shaft seal. The gimbal ring is tight there is no play
The way that boat sits in the water the whole out-drive and housing is underwater. Its a lot more work to remove the gimbal ring and replace the seal and with it being underwater I have my worries about the JR Marine method -(which I did on my 240) I think I would feel more comfortable with the Merc method
The boat has been in salt water its whole life and I keep it in the water

Any thoughts?

 

[achris]

Re: Gimbal Ring Steering Shaft Seal

Never seen one leak... If it ain't broke, don't fix it...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Gimbal Ring Steering Shaft Seal

Could install a grease fitting thru the housing, not that difficult to extend its life from rusting.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Gimbal Ring Steering Shaft Seal

If you don't see rust stains running down the transom plate, it ain't leaking. Like chris said, If it ain't broke don't fix it!
I'm curious about the JR method. What don't you like about it. I've never given a shot but will soon. Just looking for a little feedback on it.

Mods may tell you to PM me, that's fine! Thanks

 

[kkalsch]

Re: Gimbal Ring Steering Shaft Seal

If you don't see rust stains running down the transom plate, it ain't leaking. Like chris said, If it ain't broke don't fix it!
I'm curious about the JR method. What don't you like about it. I've never given a shot but will soon. Just looking for a little feedback on it.

Mods may tell you to PM me, that's fine! Thanks

Pete 104......The JR Marine fix is great -you have a lot more access to the Gimbal steering shaft than the Merc method. Now here's my 2 cents -I used the JR Marine method on my Sea Ray 240 -the boat sits high in the water and the JR Marine cover plate is not even close to the water line-no need for concern -however I sold that boat and moved up to a 280 with twin 4.3 -that boat sits low in the water and the whole transom housing is under water.I keep my boat in the water full time. The JR cover plate only has 4 screws that hold it on and there is a lot of distance between screws-the Merc method with the plastic plugs would provide a more fail - safe seal
Just my opinion -but if your boat sits high in the water and the top of the transom plate is out of the water .....no question use the JR fix