gimble ring...replace or repair?

[silvert]

Hey everyone, I'm working on the boat I just bought. It's a 99 rinker 232 with a 5.7 and bravo 3. Anyways, I bought it knowing it needed a new engine. Just got one from michiganmotorz.com. Great place to deal with so far...haven't installed it yet. I noticed some side to side play in the outdrive. My research shows its most likely a worn gimble ring. I have about 6" from one side to the other. I found a place called jr marine that repairs them for A fraction of the cost of a new one. Http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm
Anyone have experience having it repaired versus replacing? I'm going to have the engine out so this would be the time to do it. Would like to do it once.

 

[alldodge]

Hey everyone, I'm working on the boat I just bought. It's a 99 rinker 232 with a 5.7 and bravo 3. Anyways, I bought it knowing it needed a new engine. Just got one from michiganmotorz.com. Great place to deal with so far...haven't installed it yet. I noticed some side to side play in the outdrive. My research shows its most likely a worn gimble ring. I have about 6" from one side to the other. I found a place called jr marine that repairs them for A fraction of the cost of a new one. Http://www.jrmarine.com/products/gimbal_repair.htm
Anyone have experience having it repaired versus replacing? I'm going to have the engine out so this would be the time to do it. Would like to do it once.

Haven't delt with them but would say what they are doing is not complicated for a CNC machine. That said have you checked torque on the pin bolts and items 18, 19 and 20 in the pic below?

 

[bilge rat jim]

This looks OK, but I would like some further info: what is the process for filling the worn areas? what is the machining process? do you need to replace the swivel shaft? And- Can this company produce some info from satisfied customers?

 

[silvert]

I haven't yet. Read somewhere that if is loose because the bolts are loose that the damage is already done and tightening them is just a band aid. Not sure how true that is. I'm thinking since the engine isnout, this would be the time to replace/repair.

 

[silvert]

I will check next time I'm in the garage to see if the bolts are loose. If that is a permanent fix, I'm all about saving some money

 

[alldodge]

I will check next time I'm in the garage to see if the bolts are loose. If that is a permanent fix, I'm all about saving some money

The bolts mentioned above if torqueing down removes the play, it may not be permanent but should last for some years. The top nut has a tendency to loosen over time, the clamp bolt more so. The U-bolt which holds the pin also needs checked. If you have the ring redone, this could be a fix also for now, and will not last forever. These are wear points. The places need checked for torque, most importantly the U-bolts.

 

[stonyloam]

If retoquing the clamping bolts (27-28) removes ALL of side to side play, that is a permanent fix. Because if the ring stays firmly clamped to the pin it should never ware. Should be checked and retorqued every year. If you have any play after retoquing (6" is a lot to remove) then time for a rebuild. I have delt with JR. and they were fine to deal with. Give them a call and they will answer all of your questions. Chances are your upper swivel pin is OK since it is steel, but you might want to send it in with the ring to have it checked out, something to ask them about. Good luck!

 

[Mischief Managed]

I have purchased about 1000 bucks worth of stuff from JRMarine and they are a legit business and quite pleasant to deal with. I'm sure their repair work will be excellent and I would not hesitate to use them.

 

[bilge rat jim]

If the ring is worn, re-torquing the bolts is a band-aid. At his point do you really want a band-aid?

 

[stonyloam]

My ring was loose (about 2" side to side), pulled it out and sent it to JR. They said it was fine and sent it back. Put it back in, torqued to spec, and there was no play. Retorque it every spring, (6 years) and it is fine. So there you go, for what it is worth.

 

[silvert]

Thanks guys. I plan to get a better look at it saturday.

 

[silvert]

After inspection, the ring is worn. I'm going to send it to jrmarine.