Gimble Housing Stud Source

[AMMO DAWG]

I'm repowering my 2006 Sea Ray 185 and while I had the engine out I decided to tackle the extremely corroded steering arm assembly. I decided to pull the Gimble housing off the boat and kind of glad I did. The four lower studs are all but gone and probable going to replace the other 4 since they are showing signs of corrosion. Looking online those dang studs are 10 bucks each before nuts and washers. They are not stainless, anybody found another source for them that's more reasonable? They are .437x20x4.750 and .437x20x4.250. the .437 is throwing me off a bit. Don't get me wrong I'm all about doing it right, however after the new steering shaft assembly and bushings along with a steering shaft and associated hardware, ouch! If anyboady know a good place to source a steering shaft that will also be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I replaced the same ones back 5 years ago, and yeah, they cost $8 and $9 a piece. Place I got them are $8.71 and $9.49 now.

 

[dubs283]

i'd say you're due for a whole new transom assy

i wouldn't even try to disassemble anything you've got pictured

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Ouch dubs!!! I was happy to see after pulling the Gimble housing no noticeable transom rot in the opening, I keep hearing that after 2002 Sea Ray quit using wood, not sure if it is true, I haven't been able to verify, even called Sea ray and they sent me to a dealer.

 

[harringtondav]

even called Sea ray and they sent me to a dealer.

Off topic, but so true. I had a few questions about a new VP 4.3 240 hp, SX drive I'm considering. I called VP's customer service no. They sent me back to the dealer. Two calls to the dealer some time ago with no response.

...thank God for this forum.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Easy enough to drill a little hole and find out. Squirt a little 5200 in the hole to permanently plug it.

 

[AMMO DAWG]

So if I can throw in a follow on question, if I change out the Gimble housing, the gimble bearing is brand new, can I remove it and reuse it without damage, I know the seal has to be replaced, but the bearing reuse will help slow down the bleeding. However, when to not have to tear into it again cause I did something stupid, thanks

 

[Rick Stephens]

If the puller pulls on the bearing and not the gimbal ring, then it is too likely to damage the race. I don't think you can get a puller to pull on the outer ring. It is covered up by the housing. No problem if you can stick in a press and have enough of the ring to stick a good mandrel in there to push on just it.

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Well, I think I dodged a bullet, I looked around for a new used Gimble assembly and most were not much better than what I had so I tore into it. After getting all the crud knocked off and fighting the steering arm bolt it actually wasn't that bad. A little minor pitting and hours of cleaning and sanding along with four new studs. Got a couple of coats of two part epoxy primer on it and attached some pictures. Going to top coat it with Farm Implement Enamel with hardener , probably shoot it tomorrow if the weather holds out. A lot more work than I planned for this repower, but at least I know it will be good to go for some time. Any of you use 1440 on the black seal when you attach it back on the transom, or is that way over kill?

 

[AMMO DAWG]

As I'm finishing up this gimbal housing I notice the manual and mercruiser online parts catalog show a rubber seal used under the Gimbal Housing Zinc (see attached) There was not one installed when I took it apart, do all models use this rubber seal, I'm scratching my head to understand mow it is inserted, thanks again!

 

[Scott06]

Ouch dubs!!! I was happy to see after pulling the Gimble housing no noticeable transom rot in the opening, I keep hearing that after 2002 Sea Ray quit using wood, not sure if it is true, I haven't been able to verify, even called Sea ray and they sent me to a dealer.

my 2004 sea ray has composite stringers. Not sure if the transom is still wood or not but due to the shape of the hull if it is wood it’s only about a 4 ftsq vs the entire transom width.