Alpha One wear on side of Gimbal Ring and Outdrive

Z

Zoomer

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Feb 23, 2004
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I'm replacing my bellows, gimbal bearing, shift cable and trim sensors on my Alpha One gen 1 and while I'm in here I was wondering if I have another problem I need to address? I have pretty significant wear or galling on the gimbal ring and outdrive, but only on one side. Is this indicative of something I should address? I looked on cragslist for a gimbal ring, and the one for sale that I found has the same wear as mine.

Here are the pics of mine:





 
B

Bababouy

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There are nylon wear pads that are supposed to attach to the outdrive at this contact point. Looks like you are missing yours.
 
R

rayodunne

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Maybe adjust the trim tab above the prop. With power steering and No feedback helm you would not get the feel that it is pulling to the right. I have the same issue on mine and thought it was an issue too. I tried looking up a solution and from what I can gather the outdrive is pulling to one side with the prop torque.
 
thumpar

thumpar

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rayodunne said:
Maybe adjust the trim tab above the prop. With power steering and No feedback helm you would not get the feel that it is pulling to the right. I have the same issue on mine and thought it was an issue too. I tried looking up a solution and from what I can gather the outdrive is pulling to one side with the prop torque.
Click to expand...
Power steering boats wouldn't normally have a trim tab. They just have a flat anode.
 
Bondo

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Bababouy said:
There are nylon wear pads that are supposed to attach to the outdrive at this contact point. Looks like you are missing yours.
Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... That's the Alpha, Gen.II, not the Alpha 1 Zoomer's got,....

My guess is, the gimbel pins/ bushin' are worn too,....
 
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Pete104

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Those marks in that spot are from trimming constantly up and down trying to get more out of something that = nothing!

Take a close look at the trim senders while you have apart. Over trimming will cause the gawling. There are specs to different applications.
 
Z

Zoomer

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Thanks for the help everyone!


Bondo said:
Ayuh,.... That's the Alpha, Gen.II, not the Alpha 1 Zoomer's got,....

My guess is, the gimbel pins/ bushin' are worn too,....
Click to expand...

What is the best way to check the pins and bushings? Are they easily replaced? The pins did come out much easier than I thought after reading the instructions (heat may be needed etc).


Pete104 said:
Those marks in that spot are from trimming constantly up and down trying to get more out of something that = nothing!

Take a close look at the trim senders while you have apart. Over trimming will cause the gawling. There are specs to different applications.
Click to expand...


The limit switch recently went out so I am replacing both trim senders (already routed through the transom). That top bolt on the retaining clip sure is a bugger to get to, wish I had the single bolt version!! We do usually trim it in when starting out then up some once on plane. What do you mean "There are specs to different applications"?

While I'm in here with the bellows off I'm trying to do anything that might need to be done.
 
alldodge

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It's easier with the drive installed (you get more leverage) but try moving the gimbal ring and bell housing side to side, up/down and in/out, there should be next to no play in them.
 
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Pete104

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Zoomer said:
Thanks for the help everyone!




What is the best way to check the pins and bushings? Are they easily replaced? The pins did come out much easier than I thought after reading the instructions (heat may be needed etc).





The limit switch recently went out so I am replacing both trim senders (already routed through the transom). That top bolt on the retaining clip sure is a bugger to get to, wish I had the single bolt version!! We do usually trim it in when starting out then up some once on plane. What do you mean "There are specs to different applications"?

While I'm in here with the bellows off I'm trying to do anything that might need to be done.
Click to expand...

Depending on what trim cylinder is used. The trim limit is set at different lengths center to center of the tilt pins. That's by the book, the actual sweet spot on any given boat will probably be less than what the book says.
As far as the retaining clip, if the area that the sender wires pass thru isn't solid white with corrosion, just use the bottom bolt. Or buy the latest & greatest retainer with just 1 hole. It's the exact same thing minus 1 hole.

It was said previously that the bushings & pins are worn, probably true. You can replace the bushings & hinge pins. Also make sure that the synthane washers are there. Were they on demolition? No doubt it will still happen but the tighter the better. It wasn't until the Gen II came along that the geniouses at Mercury figured out they cover those scracthes up. It still happens, look at the stbd side wear pad on a gen 2 that has a few years on it.
 
Z

Zoomer

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Pete104 said:
Depending on what trim cylinder is used. The trim limit is set at different lengths center to center of the tilt pins. That's by the book, the actual sweet spot on any given boat will probably be less than what the book says.
As far as the retaining clip, if the area that the sender wires pass thru isn't solid white with corrosion, just use the bottom bolt. Or buy the latest & greatest retainer with just 1 hole. It's the exact same thing minus 1 hole.

It was said previously that the bushings & pins are worn, probably true. You can replace the bushings & hinge pins. Also make sure that the synthane washers are there. Were they on demolition? No doubt it will still happen but the tighter the better. It wasn't until the Gen II came along that the geniouses at Mercury figured out they cover those scracthes up. It still happens, look at the stbd side wear pad on a gen 2 that has a few years on it.
Click to expand...


Looked at the online parts diagram and didn't see any bushings listed in the gimbal ring hinge pin. Are there supposed to be bushings on the Gen 1?

Is there any good way to test it without putting it all back together and then seeing if I have play? I did put the pins through the gimbal ring holes and tried tiling the pins to see if they had much play. I can feel a slight play when tilting the pin, but it actually ffels pretty tight inserting the pin into the bore.
 
ImperialV184

ImperialV184

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I found the same problem when I rebuilt mine. When I reassabled with everything's new it still looks to favor one side but not touching. Wondering if one trim actuator is pushed g more than the other. When I dissesembled the needle bearing on the lower was ceased due to lack of greasing the bearing, I did not see any slop during disassembly or reassembly. Not sure if that helps but seams to me if one actuator is pulling more than the other this could occurr. When I reassembled I had no play, I would also check the clearance on the lower gimbal ring. Itf out of tolerance You may need to tighten the stearin get arm nut, which is not easy unless you have the engine out.
 
Bondo

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Alrighty,... Started a good fight, 'n I ain't even here,........ :D :D
 
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Pete104

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Zoomer said:
Looked at the online parts diagram and didn't see any bushings listed in the gimbal ring hinge pin. Are there supposed to be bushings on the Gen 1?

Is there any good way to test it without putting it all back together and then seeing if I have play? I did put the pins through the gimbal ring holes and tried tiling the pins to see if they had much play. I can feel a slight play when tilting the pin, but it actually ffels pretty tight inserting the pin into the bore.
Click to expand...

No. Replacement rings come with bushings for hinge pins installed. The way you felt the pins in the ring is what it is. That is why it's important that the synthane washers are in place. Make sure the grease holes are clear on the ring before you reassemble.
 
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