Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

[brodie123]

I've pulled my engine to prepare for my repair on the steering shaft connected to the gimble housing where the bolt has worn causing slack in the steering. I've learned here that the entire outdrive mount needs to come apart (rather than doing the drill hole, tap the nut off trick).

I'm looking for words of advice of what to expect and watch out for.

Does the gimble need to come off before any attempt of removing the main mount assemby? (I assume so)

My Seloc manual does not seem to have any instructions on removal of the outdrive clean off the transom so I have ordered a merc manual.

Any advice to get started is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

If it's a bravo drive, you can use the JR Marine kit to make and plug an access hole. It works great. MUCH easier than the mercruiser plug kit and obviously easier than pulling the engine.

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

Sorry, I should have mentioned - it's a mercruiser Alpha drive

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

i have replaced many gimbal rings and always using the hole/plug kit method

i have found that even if you do have access to the steering arm/top bolt at the inner transom plate, the angle is too steep to gain access with a wrench (ground down to fit) to properly remove the nut

i admit the first time i removed/installed a gimbal ring, it was not easy and was time consuming, but a learning experience - now its just a part of the job

good luck to you with the project!!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

the manual only goes to page 6 :-(

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

Thanks. I've started take the bell housing off (2nd time with that so no troubles) - but I am taking the bell housing off to get at the steering shaft - I can see it thru the transom - but no way to get a wrench on that - and not interested in drilling holes to tap it out.

For the bell housing, from inside the transom - is it just the 4 main bolts or am I missing one? Asking before I start tapping at it lol.

thx

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

to remove the bell housing, you need to remove the two hinge pins on either side of the gimbal ring (behind the trim senders) - also, shift cable, u-joint and exhaust bellows, water passage tube, and gear lube monitor line (if equipped)

the four bolts you are referring to - are you trying to remove the entire transom assy from the boat??

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

thank you. Yes, so I can replace the shift arm and bolt. From here at iBoats, it was identified in the Spring that this was the best way for this model of outdrive - rather than drilling holes in the bell housing.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

Yes, so I can replace the shift arm and bolt.

do you mean steering arm and clamp bolt/nut??

if so, then no, this is not the best way to change this, it may be easier than drilling the holes, but it is FAR more labor intensive - and you will find that you have better access to the clamp bolt/nut and top nut by drilling the holes

the best way is to follow the instructions outlined in the OEM manual, which is to drill the holes, complete the task, and install the plug kit

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

thank you.

Well I'm stuck at this point again - the hinge bolts.

Last time, I found them to be stripped (perhaps the previous owner attemted this?) so I took it to a machine shop to be removed.

This time I have brand new hinge bolts - thought they would come out easy - but no way - blew my hings tool trying. (Better than the hinge bolts).

suggesstions? Heat?

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

do you mean steering arm and clamp bolt/nut??

if so, then no, this is not the best way to change this, it may be easier than drilling the holes, but it is FAR more labor intensive - and you will find that you have better access to the clamp bolt/nut and top nut by drilling the holes

the best way is to follow the instructions outlined in the OEM manual, which is to drill the holes, complete the task, and install the plug kit

Thank you - just so I know, what part makes it so labour intensive? I already have the engine pulled. I wanted to anyways to do some service on it. Thanks again - just trying to understand the whole process on both accounts. I was advised by several people (including the marina & here) that it was best to remove the transom assembly.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

That link works just fine, click on each section.
Probably used loc-tite, some hi-heat is required.Sometimes a 1/2 in. allen wrench works.
after you remove the steering and exaust pipe, there are 8 nuts, remove the inner and the outer comes off.

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

That link works just fine, click on each section.
Probably used loc-tite, some hi-heat is required.Sometimes a 1/2 in. allen wrench works.
after you remove the steering and exaust pipe, there are 8 nuts, remove the inner and the outer comes off.

Thanks Admiral!!! Will do!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/M...25577_0D469858/GIMBAL RING-STEERING LEVER.pdf

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

ok - the outdrive is completely seperated from the outdrive - thanks for the assistance. Glad to be able inspect the transom and replace the seals.

So I obviously need to remove the hydraulics. I'm reading up on my manual as its my first crack at those. But any words of advice before I remove the hydraulic lines? Was going to replace them with new while I have it all apart.

thx!

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

ok - the outdrive is completely seperated from the outdrive QUOTE]

lol - I meant transom

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Steering/Gimble Repair

Actually I have found some good forums here on the topic - thanks for all the help!