Centering transom plate on Bravo 1 gimbal housing?

[tank1949]

I have drilled 8 holes in my new rebuilt transom. My gimbal bearing housing goes in correctly and my transom back plate fits it snug. However, I can torque backing plate clockwise and counter wise until 7/16" bolts stop movement clock or counter clockwise. The male gimbal bearing housing fits inside the female part of the backing plate. But, there is a little slop clock and counter clockwise. Manual calls for 2 washers MC item 12-37271 on the next to last 2 bottom 7/16 studs. Are these centering washers? Why only 2 of them? How do I align backing plate to gimbal assembly. My assemblies have all studs and not bolts.

 

[Bt Doctur]

 

[alldodge]

If your talking about items 8 and 10 in the pic above ( I think) I understand, if not I have no clue

 

[tank1949]

All of my 8 bolts were studs (w/o heads). When I removed transom plate, there were only flat (very rusty ) washers. I will go back with ss, but I am not real sure the purpose for washer in diagram you listed. Why just 2? Are these for centering or bonding? Why are mine all studs (course thread and fine thread). Manual not clear!

 

[tank1949]

If your talking about items 8 and 10 in the pic above ( I think) I understand, if not I have no clue

#6 & #4. My bravo has 8 7/16 studs and no 7/16 bolts.

 

[alldodge]

#6 & #4. My bravo has 8 7/16 studs and no 7/16 bolts.

OK, its more clear
BT pic appears to be an Alpha, all Bravo's used studs with washers and nuts. The washer is regular and the nut is SS

Note items 30 and 31
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30966/952/40

 

[tank1949]

OK, its more clear
BT pic appears to be an Alpha, all Bravo's used studs with washers and nuts. The washer is regular and the nut is SS

Note items 30 and 31
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30966/952/40

Thx! But how do I center transom plate to gimbal housing. I have some clock and counter clockwise movement, once mounted. Or does it matter?

 

[alldodge]

Thx! But how do I center transom plate to gimbal housing. I have some clock and counter clockwise movement, once mounted. Or does it matter?

That is not good
Something is not flat. The transom should be flat within (off the top of my head) 1/8 inch. If you have rotation movement, then something is wrong

 

[tank1949]

That is not good
Something is not flat. The transom should be flat within (off the top of my head) 1/8 inch. If you have rotation movement, then something is wrong

Both outer and inner surfaces are parallel. Gimbal assembly does not move when inserted into transom, but transom plate can be moved slightly clockwise or counter clockwise (very). Looking at the transom plate from back of boat...

 

[achris]

Let's start with a year or serial number of your Bravo transom assembly. They are different according to year...

Slight rotation around the gimbal bearing would be considered normal. As long as the gimbal bearing has the same distance relationships with the engine mounting points, then the only difference that rotation will make is to the heights of the engine side mounts.. And we have adjustable side mounts.

I would tighten up with the slop 'centred' and see how the engine sits. If it's obviously higher on one side or the other, maybe look at rotating to correct. If it's sitting fine, bolt it down, do the alignment and enjoy your boat....

Chris......

AD, I suspect the drawing is a Bravo, just a different year than you're used to (which is why we constantly ask for serial numbers :facepalm. Look at the drive end of the shift cable... That's Bravo, not Alpha...

 

[alldodge]

If your torqued to spec and it moves then there is an issue.
If your not torqued, then a slight movement is not an issue

 

[tank1949]

Let's start with a year or serial number of your Bravo transom assembly. They are different according to year...

Slight rotation around the gimbal bearing would be considered normal. As long as the gimbal bearing has the same distance relationships with the engine mounting points, then the only difference that rotation will make is to the heights of the engine side mounts.. And we have adjustable side mounts.

I would tighten up with the slop 'centred' and see how the engine sits. If it's obviously higher on one side or the other, maybe look at rotating to correct. If it's sitting fine, bolt it down, do the alignment and enjoy your boat....

Chris......

AD, I suspect the drawing is a Bravo, just a different year than you're used to (which is why we constantly ask for serial numbers :facepalm. Look at the drive end of the shift cable... That's Bravo, not Alpha...

Bravos are 1995s. Of 60 minutes in a clocks face, I have 1-2 minute's movement. I might be able to run level across forward mounts and compare level's bubble position on rear mounts after torqueing and see if bubble is close to the same. My forward motor mounts are adjustable. Thx!