Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

[file5]

Is it possible to remove the outer transom plate (to replace the gimbal ring with out using the plugs) without removing the motor? *If I lift the rear of the engine, to remove pressure off of the bolts holding the transom plate, is it possible to unbolt and remove the outer transom plate far enough to get access to the bolt on steering lever and the bolt on the top of the steering shaft?*

Can I use a jack under motor to accomplish this if it is possible?

1989 well craft 210 classic with a 350 Mercruiser

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

Probably not.
Don't forget about that exhaust Y pipe that mounts to the gimbal housing. While you might be able to get the bolts out of it, the chances of getting it back together with new seals is almost zero.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

Is the ring loose or broken? If loose, have you tried retorquing the gimbal ring clamping screws to tighten it up?

 

[captain zac]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

Someone here might know but
I had my Gimble changed and the Mech had to drill the holes in the upper side of the drive to get to some cable
Worked out just fine but
a few months later he had to do his boat Twins
and he found a kit that allow you to drill multible holes in the top of the drive (facing aft) and then tap it with a hammer
it fell out and he had access to the cable
The kit had a plate with a rubber seal to cover the hole
Looked good

 

[file5]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

When you seals you're talking about the on on the outer transom?

 

[file5]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

The ring is warn and very loose. Need to replace fellows, shifting cable and sending units. Figured while I was there I would do the job rite

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

I will repeat the question. Have you tried to retorque the gimbal ring clamping screws? Mine was loose too and that was all it needed.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

I had a lot of play in my ring....I tried the re torque thing but it just clicked the torque wrench @25#.... then I had a Wile E Coyote moment....the bolts were seized in the ring....lubed them up good with Seafoam Deep Creep and worked them loose,removed and wire wheeled them and re torqued....Wah La all tight again! Now it worked for me but that dosen't mean your square swivel shaft and or the ring isn't worn out.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

rickrider +++ needs to be done every spring, if you keep the ring tight on the swivel shaft it should never ware out.

 

[file5]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

I did try to tighten the screws. I can tell that the upper part of the gimbal ring is no longer square and has play.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

Looks like you are indeed right. Talk to these guys about a rebuild: http://www.jrmarine.com/ You should not have to remove the engine, but if you have room to lift it up and move it forward you should be able to get to the transom plate bolts.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Mercruiser gimbal ring removal

rickrider +++ needs to be done every spring, if you keep the ring tight on the swivel shaft it should never ware out.

Well it was loose when I bought it and I thought I was going to need a new ring and shaft.....glad it was just the bolts seized in the ring