How much play in outdrive is ok??

[rb8484]

Hey everyone. How much left to right play is ok in the outdrive? If I grab my outdrive and move it left and right, there is play in it before the steering wheel moves. Is this normal or is there a way to adjust it to take out the play?? Ohh yea......its the merc outdrive.

 

[dubs283]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

you don't want any play in the gimbal ring

if it moves that much before being stopped by the steering, the steering pin and the gimbal ring should be replaced

no way to adjust, it is just worn

 

[rb8484]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

Is this an expensive fix? It is something I can tackel myself? I want to learn to do repairs myself on my boat.

 

[dubs283]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

its doable, but not really easy

you will probably have to cut holes in the outer transom plate to gain access to the top nut on the gimbal ring

mercruiser sells a kit that explains how to do it and plugs for the holes

 

[rb8484]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

Hmmm. Well, I will have to call my local dealer and price the parts and also see what they charge to do it for me.
Thanks!!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

If it is an Alpha, the first thing that you need to do retorque the two bolts (that clamp the steering pin) at the top of the gimbal ring to 55 foot pounds. They are bolts, so you have to get a box wrench on the back to hold them while you torque them down, that should tighten things up. Should be done as part of annual maintenance. Hope that helps.

 

[rb8484]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

If it is an Alpha, the first thing that you need to do retorque the two bolts (that clamp the steering pin) at the top of the gimbal ring to 55 foot pounds. They are bolts, so you have to get a box wrench on the back to hold them while you torque them down, that should tighten things up. Should be done as part of annual maintenance. Hope that helps.

Hey, thanks! It is almost dark here now, but I will go out and check it tomorrow!
Im still learning!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

......Im still learning!

Me too! Learned about those bolts the HARD way

 

[rb8484]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

Me too! Learned about those bolts the HARD way

You learned the hard way? What happened?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: How much play in outdrive is ok??

Same symptoms as you, so I thought worn gimbal ring. Took it all apart (drilled the holes, removed the nut etc. etc.) MAJOR PITA! Sent it out to JR Marine for a rebuild. Couple of days later Ron Bender (great guy!) called and said the ring was OK, no significant wear, so he sent it back. At this point I thought must be steering arm, so when I got it back I put it all back together, torqued to spec. on the bench, and guess what? Everything was tight as a drum! As it turned out the only thing that was wrong was that the two gimbal ring bolts needed to be retorqued back to spec. That my friend is learning the HARD way.