Cover Plate Repair

[garywwelch]

I have a hole in the cover plate of the housing above the gimbel ring. I have seen kits to repair it, like as the one at www.jrmarine.com but wanted to know if anyone can give me a heads up on this.

I am not sure if it is safe to operate the boat in water like this or not?

I purchased it as a project and may find I am knee deep in it now.

Thanks for your help

Gary

 

[dubs283]

Re: Cover Plate Repair

It appears to me as this cover plate kit from the company is an alternative to mercruisers access hole kit. This operation is done when there is no access to the steering arm pinch bolts and top nut for the gimbal ring shaft.

I would say that the boat is okay to operate, but don't quote me on that.

If you are up in arms about the appearance, order the parts and install it.

Good Luck!

 

[Don S]

Re: Cover Plate Repair

Your picture is too small to see anything in, and your link doesn't go to the kit.
Got a link to the actual kit they sell, and a picture big enough to see?

 

[garywwelch]

Re: Cover Plate Repair

I have enlarged the photo. Maybe this will help. The hole is in the gimbel housing cover (item #1).



The repair kit is at this link.
http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm

http://www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Cover Plate Repair

It appears that the hole is corrosion damage going thru the housing.If water has entered from there it`s done a lot more than you can see.More than llikely your steering arm and pin are just as rusty as the photo.Might pay to bite the bullet and remove the transom assembly for inspection and repair/replacement.It is possable to re-install the grease fitting the Merc decided to eliminate,and helps the seal keep the water out.