1973 mercruiser mc-1

[tannergallant123]

Hello, I have a 1972 mercruiser with an Mc-1. I replaced the rack and pinion steering this year and everything has been great until this past weekend. Under load the steering would come loose and I'd have zero control of the boat. Going slow it would work but as soon as I picked up speed it would feel like it disconnected. Is it a worn gimbal ring? Any help would be appreciated thanks

 

[alldodge]

Is it no control or just a lot more play?
Like at slow speed there is just a little play in the wheel and it gets worst with more speed?

 

[Grub54891]

Start with grabbing the drive and see if there is play right/left and let us know about that.

 

[tannergallant123]

Ya there is play left to right. Also it was just under load going full speed the steering just gave out. Brand new rack and pinion steering installed so it has to be where it connects to the drive.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Check the helm. On older rack units, there is a clip that holds the rack to the helm. They rust and break in about 30-40 years