Worn out MC-1 Gimbal ring

[Squirrel 73]

I have a 1979 (assumed to be MC-1) Stern drive. From pictures and research I e can to this conclusion. I've tried to Google the serial number and went to a local Mercury dealer near me, no luck. I want to to replace the old gimbal ring, spline-spline which is worn with something that is available. Dealers want to sell you the part but not tell you what's compatible.

 

[Bondo]

I have a 1979 (assumed to be MC-1) Stern drive. From pictures and research I e can to this conclusion. I've tried to Google the serial number and went to a local Mercury dealer near me, no luck. I want to to replace the old gimbal ring, spline-spline which is worn with something that is available. Dealers want to sell you the part but not tell you what's compatible.

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,..... You might wanta consider up-datin' to a MR or Alpha 1 transom assembly,.....
The splines were dropped in favor of a square shaft, 'n hole,....

 

[Squirrel 73]

The motor was just replaced before I bought it. Trying to avoid removing it to get to the transom. That's why I'm looking for something compatible. I know I have to switch to a square/spline which is what the new gimbal ring will be. Start small ....

 

[achris]

This is what you're looking for.

Merc part number -88302A1 (Gimbal ring kit, MC1, square/spline)

Removing an engine is no big deal, it's a few bolts, a couple of battery leads some electrical connections, and fuel line and lift away. Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.

Chris.....

 

[kenny nunez]

To make removing the gimbal ring easy after everything is out of the way, if you have a reciprocal saw cut the ring at the 10 & 2 o’clock position where the ring is the thinnest. That way the shaft will come down with upper cut off section of the ring after the retaining cross bolt and top nut are removed.
Pulling the cotter pin from the bottom of the gimbal housing will take some patience.
If you need to replace the trim and tilt limit switches and harnesses this is a good time, the 2 bolts will break easy so you may need some heat.

 

[Squirrel 73]

This is what you're looking for.

Merc part number -88302A1 (Gimbal ring kit, MC1, square/spline)

Removing an engine is no big deal, it's a few bolts, a couple of battery leads some electrical connections, and fuel line and lift away. Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.

Chris.....

Thanks Chris. I just found the same number so I am on the right track. I have no equipment to remove the motor. Thanks this a great start

 

[Squirrel 73]

To make removing the gimbal ring easy after everything is out of the way, if you have a reciprocal saw cut the ring at the 10 & 2 o’clock position where the ring is the thinnest. That way the shaft will come down with upper cut off section of the ring after the retaining cross bolt and top nut are removed.
Pulling the cotter pin from the bottom of the gimbal housing will take some patience.
If you need to replace the trim and tilt limit switches and harnesses this is a good time, the 2 bolts will break easy so you may need some heat.

I drilled the transom and have the kit to plug it. I have everything apart. Now to find all the parts compatible and order.

 

[kenny nunez]

Working through the holes in the upper housing you can use a punch to loosen the top nut after the cross bolt is removed. When the nut is loosened enough you will be able to use your fingers to unscrew it to allow the upper cut off section to come down and out.

 

[Squirrel 73]

Working through the holes in the upper housing you can use a punch to loosen the top nut after the cross bolt is removed. When the nut is loosened enough you will be able to use your fingers to unscrew it to allow the upper cut off section to come down and out.