Quick Question / Gimbal Ring Height Adjustment ?

[TimeZone]

I'm trying to chase down a vibration from my drive.

• vibration is most noticeable at fast idle up to about 1500 RPM
• Noticeable both in gear and in neutral
• Changes slightly with trim
• Increases when steering is near full lock
• Not noticeable at 3000 RPM to WOT which is perfect at 4800 RPM and 50 MPH
• Upper unit was re-sealed with new yoke on drive side and one new U-joint.
• Second U-joint (on spline shaft) was not replaced, but looks good and feels smooth.
• New gimbal bearing
• New coupler on engine.
• Engine alignment is perfect and checked at 90 deg increments.
  

Is it possible that the gimbal ring is sitting low, causing alignment issue in the joints resulting in vibration?

Is there a way to check gimbal ring position?
Can it be adjusted back up if needed?

Engine drive specs in my sig.

TIA - Ron

 

[Bondo]

Re: Quick Question / Gimbal Ring Height Adjustment ?

I'm trying to chase down a vibration from my drive.

• vibration is most noticeable at fast idle up to about 1500 RPM
• Noticeable both in gear and in neutral
• Changes slightly with trim
• Increases when steering is near full lock
• Not noticeable at 3000 RPM to WOT which is perfect at 4800 RPM and 50 MPH
• Upper unit was re-sealed with new yoke on drive side and one new U-joint.
  [*]Second U-joint (on spline shaft) was not replaced, but looks good and feels smooth.
• New gimbal bearing
• New coupler on engine.
• Engine alignment is perfect and checked at 90 deg increments.
  

Is it possible that the gimbal ring is sitting low, causing alignment issue in the joints resulting in vibration?

Is there a way to check gimbal ring position?
Can it be adjusted back up if needed?

Engine drive specs in my sig.

TIA - Ron

Ayuh,.... My guess is, That u-joint would look different if it had been takin' apart....

What did the replaced u-joint look like,..?? ridges on the cross bearin',..??

 

[TimeZone]

Re: Quick Question / Gimbal Ring Height Adjustment ?

I'm mostly a DIY guy, but I had the re-seal done by the local marina. Didn't want to get into more special tools, rolling torque, etc.

When they took it apart, they showed me where the yoke had a been worn down by the seal. They replaced the u-joint because they didn't want to re-use the old one after taking it apart, but felt the second u-joint was OK. I never had a chance to see what the bearing surfaces looked like on the first u-joint.

I think I will take your advice Bond-o and change it out anyway.

What about checking the position of the gimbal ring?

Cheers,
Ron

 

[Bondo]

Re: Quick Question / Gimbal Ring Height Adjustment ?

I'm mostly a DIY guy, but I had the re-seal done by the local marina. Didn't want to get into more special tools, rolling torque, etc.

When they took it apart, they showed me where the yoke had a been worn down by the seal. They replaced the u-joint because they didn't want to re-use the old one after taking it apart, but felt the second u-joint was OK. I never had a chance to see what the bearing surfaces looked like on the first u-joint.

I think I will take your advice Bond-o and change it out anyway.

What about checking the position of the gimbal ring?

Cheers,
Ron

Ayuh,... It's covered in the manual,... Unless it's been apart, 'n pieces were left out, I'm doubtin' it,...
Is it Sloppy,..??

I'm thinkin' it ain't the problem, 'n yer symptoms match that of a ridged up u-joint....

 

[TimeZone]

Re: Quick Question / Gimbal Ring Height Adjustment ?

I doubt it's ever been apart. The only play I have noticed is side to side at the hinge pins.

Looking through the manual I have, it looks like the only measurement is the clearance between the lower swivel pin washer and gimbal housing mount. This looks to be adjusted with the nut on the swivel shaft. Should measure .002" to .010". I hope thats the right information for my year.

I will be changing the u-joint, but want to cover all my bases.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Quick Question / Gimbal Ring Height Adjustment ?

That spec is correct for all of 'em!