85 Baretta 470 pulling left

[fitzroy97]

I just had the gimble and bellows replaced on my 85 baretta 470. Now at about 30 MPH it pulls hard to the left. Can anyone please explain it to me.
Thanks Doug

 

[dubs283]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

if the engine does not have power steering it is the trim tab on the drive that needs to be adjusted more to the port side

 

[fitzroy97]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

Thank you, No power steering. I am a little confused, if the boat didnt pull before the replacement what is causing this now?
You guys have helped me in the past with questions and i appreciate it.
Doug

 

[dubs283]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

the force of the prop turning can force the drive to one side, hence the need for the trim tab to counteract this force

either someone moved the trim tab and didn't put it back in the original position or it got bumped/hit and forced out of its original position

 

[fitzroy97]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

Dubs, I have seen your responses on other posts. Looks as if you have helped a lot of us. Maybe I am just paranoid. In my reading up on removing outdrives I thought maybe the mechanic didnt align the drive to the coupler.
Thanks
Doug

 

[dubs283]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

that could be, a good mechanic will always stick the alignment bar in the coupler every time thay have a drive off, its an automatic thing

also grease coupler splines, grease u-joints, grease gimbal bearing, check bellows condition, etc...

it may be that the bolt that holds the trim tab loosened up?? dosen't happen often but is possible, i have seen it before

 

[fitzroy97]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

Thanks for the info. so if I understand the drive not being aligned could make it pull to the left? I will take it out this week and adjust the trim tab.

Doug

 

[dubs283]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

the coupler/engine being out of alignment won't have the pulling effect you are experiencing

it is most likely the trim tab out of adjustment, start with that and it should remedy the problem

as far as the engine/coupler alignment you'll have to ask your mechanic

 

[fitzroy97]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

Thanks for the time dubs283

 

[Don S]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

The trim tab on the drive is also an anode for corrosion control If it wears out (corrodes away) there will be less of it to do the job of trimming the steering.
By any chance was the impeller in the drive replaced during all the work? If so, the trim tab would have to be removed to change the impeller. If the tech forgot to mark it, or replaced a worn one with a new one with no marks, It may just need adjusted.

 

[fitzroy97]

Re: 85 Baretta 470 pulling left

No original anode is in good shape. Drive bellows had a small hole allowing some water into the gimbel. It was growling on turns. My son was driving pulling his brother skiing when bearing let loose. Limped back to the dock at 500- 1000 rpms. You could see the shaft out of rotation slightly at any higher RPM. You guys are a ton of help to us out here. I am a wood stove and gas fireplace tech. If i can be assistance let me know

Doug