Should there be any left to right play in stern drive gimble mount

[wireready]

I may not be using the right terminology here, but if I grab my stern drive I can move it left to right about an inch without the steering wheel moving. Should there be this much left and right play in the gimble/swivel mount of the stern drive or should the steering linkage be stiff and not move at all unless the steering wheel moves ? If there isn't supposed to be play, what will I need to do and is this an easy or difficult repair?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Should there be any left to right play in stern drive gimble mount

Didn't say what you have, but assuming it is an Alpha 1 (gen I or II). Could be that the gimbal ring is getting loose on the upper swivel pin. The first thing you need to do is to retorque the two gimbal ring clamping screws (two bolts on the top of the gimbal ring) to 55 ft lb. They are bolts with nuts on the back so you will have to turn the drive side to side to get a wrench on the back. Should be done every year. See if that tightens things up. BTW you should have no play side to side.

 

[wireready]

Re: Should there be any left to right play in stern drive gimble mount

thanks. It's an alpha one - 1994 or 1995 - I'm assuming that makes it a gen 2. I will check those two bolts and torque as directed. Thank you very much.