Alpha 1, Gen 1 Upper Mounting Hardware

[scottt1020]

Can anyone tell me what the function of the semi-permanent washer on the lower starboard mounting hole of the upper unit that bolts to the bellhousing?

The washer is attached by @ #8 screw.

Thanks, Scott

 

[Bt Doctur]

it used for electrical bonding of the drive to the gimbal

 

[scottt1020]

I recently put an SEI Upper Unit on that didn't have this bonding washer on it, and the mounting screw on the old Mercruiser unit was too small for the hole on the new SEI.

So, I didn't install the bonding washer.

Any major down falls for not installing the bonding washer:
1) water passage for sea water to get into the gimble area
2) severe electrolysis
3) shock hazard

Thanks for the help, Scott

 

[Bt Doctur]

probably not, the older drives never had it

 

[scottt1020]

thanks.

 

[nola mike]

I always thought the bonding was for corrosion resistance...

 

[Bt Doctur]

all the parts underwater must be connected together or electrolsys raises its ugly head
drive connected to gimbal, SS wire from gimbal to steering yoke, SS wires from trim cylinders to steering yoke,,steering arm connected to inner transom by a SS wire, transom connected to neg side of the battery thru the engine block by a bonding wire to engine block.

 

[nola mike]

all the parts underwater must be connected together or electrolsys raises its ugly head
drive connected to gimbal, SS wire from gimbal to steering yoke, SS wires from trim cylinders to steering yoke,,steering arm connected to inner transom by a SS wire, transom connected to neg side of the battery thru the engine block by a bonding wire to engine block.

Your last post made it sound like you didn't think that the bonding was necessary, or that electrolysis wouldn't be an issue...