Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

[Wave thumper]

Calling experienced Mercruiser people!!!!

I have purchased a complete mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2 sterndrive assembly because I have decided to convert my boat from a jet unit to a mercruiser sterndrive (I will be using the existing 5.0 motor already in the boat).

My problem is the transom assembly of this Alpha 1 Gen 2 (currently out of the boat) does not turn/steer!

The trim moves freely but it just does not turn left and right!

It was supplied with power steering, and the hydrauic ram is removed, I grab the steering lever but it just does not want to move.

IF something in there is seized, how do I pull the assembly apart if I can turn it?

I thought it would be a good idea to post here before I start hitting things with a hammer.

 

[Don S]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Post some pictures of what you have.

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Please see the pics.

I note there is a nipple for the trim movement but not for the steering?

 

[Don S]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

In the picture below, see if you can move the studs left and right (red arrow) and see if the steering arm (green arrow) stays where it's at, if so the steering works.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Make sure you raise the dimensions on the transom plate so drive is not buried,

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Don, Thanks for that, I can only get it to move 1/4 inch that way, but if I grasp the transom assembly and use all my body weight it moves OK. But it is very hard to move is that normal?

I am not using the power steering as part of this installation, just the existing mechanical / morse cable. Will this present any problems?


Faztbullet, What do you mean?

I was planning to install according to the mercruiser installation drawing. Standard X dimension install.

The boat is trailer boat, not moored.

 

[Don S]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Here is the manual for that drive. http://www.4shared.com/office/2V0kM3lL/14__Alpha_I_Gen_II__Drives_91-.html?
I think after some reading you will understand what turns, and what could be corroded and not moving.

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Thanks Don, I will have a good read.

But do you think using the mechanical / morse cable on a drive set up for power steering will present any problems?

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Make sure you raise the dimensions on the transom plate so drive is not buried,

Does anyone know what Faztbullet meant by this?

 

[Failproof]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

I believe he is referring to the fact that jets are usualy flater on the rear portion of the hull, and set lower(or closer) so if setting transom off of current stingers using mercs X specs, too much of the outdrive, and gimble and bellhousing could be in the water. Having too much drive exposed under the boat can have negetive performance issues, as well handiling issues. In addition it can lead to leaking issues not common due areas that are designed to be "above waterline" being below it.

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

I cut out the jet mounting section on the transom and rebuilt the V back into the transom, then installed drive according to standard X dimension recommended by Mercruiser. Hopefully should go without a hitch.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks for the explanation

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

I have let the drive sit for a while and the steering assembly on the gimbal has gone stiff again.

It seams if I am playing around with it, its OK. But if I leave it for an extended period it gets stiff.

I am concerned when I start using the boat in the salt water then leave it sit there for a few weeks, the steering may get even more heavy or even seize.

Does anyone know why my steering assembly on the gimbal goes stiff over time? What is a preventative measure?

 

[Don S]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Disconnect the cable and/or power steering from the transom shield arm. Then see if you can move the drive back and forth with ease. The drive should move with just one finger with the cable disconnected.

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Nothing is connected to the transom shield arm.

I have no hope of moving it with 1 finger.

I need to grasp it with my whole hand to move it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Then remove the gimbal ring pivot pins the steering pivots on and find out which one (upper or lower) is corroded and causing the binding.

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Thanks Don, but I'm not game enough to tackle that. The unit looks fairly clean and tidy, but just about every bolt on this outdrive is siezed. You may remember my earlier post where I snapped 2 bolts in the top cover of the leg just because I wanted to look at the condition of the gears inside. I spent hours trying to get those broken studs out before finally drilling and taping new threads.

I was hoping to just flood the pins with penetrating lube as an easy fix.

 

[Don S]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

I was hoping to just flood the pins with penetrating lube as an easy fix.

LOL, everyone hopes for the elusive EZ button fix. Truth is, it doesn't exist, and things usually get worse as time passes.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Thanks Don, but I'm not game enough to tackle that. The unit looks fairly clean and tidy, but just about every bolt on this outdrive is siezed. You may remember my earlier post where I snapped 2 bolts in the top cover of the leg just because I wanted to look at the condition of the gears inside. I spent hours trying to get those broken studs out before finally drilling and taping new threads.

I was hoping to just flood the pins with penetrating lube as an easy fix.

Ayuh,... Good Luck with That,...

Mercruiser started droppin' grease zerts back 'round the mid-'80s,...

'bout '83/ '85 was the Best year/ vintage, with the most fittings for greasin' an Alpha drive,...
The steerin' pivots were some of the 1st to go,...
'ell,... now-a-days, ya can't even grease the gimbal bearin'...

If yer gonna run it without the P/S, you'll need the proper cable mountin' hardware to do it...
Or, gather the pieces yer missin', 'n go with the P/S...

I'm guessin' you'll need the pump, cooler, 'n lines...

 

[Wave thumper]

Re: Jet to Stendrive conversion: Merc transom assembly does not move left and right

Thanks Bond-o, You guys have a wealth of knowledge.

I'm glad I am not the only one who thought it was stupid for Mercruiser to omit the grease nipples!

But then maybe they do this for good reason....... to sell more parts to us!!!!!

oh and I snapped another 9/16 bolt half way out yesterday. Fun times!