Gimbal Ring Torque?

[Condor1970]

I've got an Alpha One outdrive, and I am replacing the steering cable. I noticed after removal, the control/link arm to the outdrive has about 1/8" play back and forth. Is this a serious concern? How do I get in there to tighten it?

 

[achris]

Hmmmm... All the Alpha Ones have the steering cable connected directly to the steering lever (that's attached to the gimbal ring) or the power steering ram, which is attached directly to the steering lever. If you have a link arm, it's not an Alpha One. What is the serial number of the transom assembly? Or at least the year...

 

[Condor1970]

Ok, I did some research, and the bolt on top which connects the control arm to the shaft is plenty tight, and moving with the arm when you move it back and forth.

Now, the gimbal Ring has two bolts on the back. Some say, under no circumstances should you ever tighten these, as they are tightened to 50ft-lbs at the factory, and that's it. It could cause the ears to snap, and death would be the result.

Then, others say it is ok to torque them on occasion to make sure they don't come loose. Apparently a lot of guys do.

So, what's the deal with this? Is it ok for me to torque them to the right spec, to try and take up the slack in movement?

 

[stonyloam]

What some say is BS. Retorque to 55 ft. Lb. and do it every spring (per Mercuriser manual). Turn the OD side to side to get a box wrench on nut. Bring the torque up gradually the first time, maybe 5 lb increments, one side then the other.

 

[Bt Doctur]

 

[achris]

Well, that's just wizard. My post got gone. I was saying that re-torquing those bolts is an annual maintenance item. To wit, here's the page from the genuine manual to show....

 

[Condor1970]

Ok, so let's say I get this thing torqued, and I still get some play in the steering arm. What then?

Can the Gimbal be changed out without having to remove the engine?

 

[achris]

Ok, so let's say I get this thing torqued, and I still get some play in the steering arm. What then?

Can the Gimbal be changed out without having to remove the engine?

Yes.

 

[stonyloam]

Ok, so let's say I get this thing torqued, and I still get some play in the steering arm. What then? Can the Gimbal be changed out without having to remove the engine?

I am betting that it will be nice and tight. Let us know how it works out. Uhhh Chris the page did not show up, at least not on my Ipad. Geez don't you know how to do anything??? LOL

 

[achris]

I am betting that it will be nice and tight. Let us know how it works out. Uhhh Chris the page did not show up, at least not on my Ipad. Geez don't you know how to do anything??? LOL

Nope, just another internet dummy...
(I'll load it up to puke-bucket, just for you)
Ok, now the e-pad should show it... (I don't know, the things I do for some people. :noidea

 

[Condor1970]

Thanks guys. I have to wait until I get the battery back in, before I can drop the outdrive, and torque it. That's ok. I managed to torque them a little, with a couple 9/19 wrenches, and *** did actually tighten it up a bit. Don't worry, there's no way I can crank 55ft-lbs with a couple of little 9/16's wrenches at this angle. I'm seriously hoping the rest of the play goes away when I get the big wrench on there.