installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

[84EdH]

1979 mercruiser 228 #1 drive. I have just installed my gimble housing and transom plate. I am in the process of torquing the bolts. the drive is 1/8" out of level (compared to level of the boat). is this important enough to un-torque and try to level out?

thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

That would mean the cutout in the transom is also out of level. Not much you can do for that but put in a new transom and cut the hole straight.

 

[84EdH]

Re: installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

well the bolt holes on the transom plate are slotted I presume to make up for 1/8" error. Is 1/8" inch important?
of course your kidding about installing (another) new transom.......just did that!

 

[Don S]

Re: installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

The stud holes on the transom plate are slotted up and down. There are two bolt holes just under the steering arm opening that aren't slotted. They are the ones that position inner transom plate onto the gimbal housing.
The transom has to be flat a parallel within certain specs and the opening layed out and cut to keep things in alignment. Since I have no idea where you measured the 1/8" , it doesn't really tell me anything. BUT, if you can mount the drive and it's not straight up and down, then the hole is not properly cut.

 

[84EdH]

Re: installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

Don, I put a level across the two rear motor mounts to get the 1/8" level. the transom wood is all new, but I used the original fiberglass holes in the transom to drill through. Also, there is a faint line on the outside fiberglass, and the gimble housing lines right up on it.

 

[Don S]

Re: installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

Well, it's not like you can do anything about it. Torque them down, install the engine, align it, install the drive and see what you have.

 

[84EdH]

Re: installing gimble housing....how critical is the level of the rear motor mounts?

thats what I'll do. thanks for your input!