AlphaI Gen II Steering pin / Gimbal Bolts

[Strecker25]

Hi all, so I've read the many threads about the U bolt and how it holds the steering pin/swivel shaft in place. I was looking at our transom assemblies this weekend and wanted to check the torque on the bolts. Both my drives look like they have bolts with nuts on the back side instead of a U bolt. This is a 1998 290 Sundancer with Twin 5.7EFI and Alpha I Gen II's

Two questions:
1) Is there any way to check and tighten these bolts with the drives on? Maybe if I turn the drive to the lock it exposes the back side? I didn't try turning them yet. We don't have any play in the starboard side and probably 1/8-1/4" in the port. These are 3 year old transom assemblies so I want to be sure to not wear them out if the bolts are not to spec.

2) What's the torque? The diagram below is from the manual but its the one spec not listed. This would be for parts 20/21/22/23

 

[alldodge]

The manual has a misprint, item 20 should show a "d" but its showing a "b" (55 ft lb)

Can also be seen in torque table on page 4B-2

Item 12 (trim wire retaining screw) should show 95 inch pounds

 

[Strecker25]

The manual has a misprint, item 20 should show a "d" but its showing a "b" (55 ft lb)

Can also be seen in torque table on page 4B-2

Item 12 (trim wire retaining screw) should show 95 inch pounds

Thanks! I'll see if I can turn the drives to one side and get a wrench back there.

 

[Bondo]

Thanks! I'll see if I can turn the drives to one side and get a wrench back there.

Ayuh,..... I think you'll find those nuts are captive, 'n ya don't need the 2nd wrench,....

 

[Strecker25]

Ayuh,..... I think you'll find those nuts are captive, 'n ya don't need the 2nd wrench,....

I was hoping that, but they feel as though they're turning when applying about 35lb's from the front. I can also see some of the garbage (zebra mussels) that are hiding behind the gimbal moving so I believe the nut isn't grabbing like it should

 

[Strecker25]

Confirmed a couple things this morning.
1) If I turn the drives to the steering lock I can at least get a finger on the nut. I'm going to see if a combination of crows foot or flex flare nut wrenches can get at it.
2) I highly doubt they're to spec. The nut turns at 30lb's applied to the front, so I have to get at them somehow.

 

[stonyloam]

You should be able to turn it to the side and gat a box end wrench on it. Back it off a bit then take it back up in a couple of stages. Should be part of your annual maintenance.

 

[Strecker25]

just to close this out, this was the magic tool

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007C6JVSM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Got it locked on and torqued them down. Glad I did, they were about 15lb's off. Thanks all