Loose Steering at Gimbal Ring

[Stamey]

I have a 1986 Alpha One , SN A670521, that has loose steering at the gimbal ring. This boat has twin stern drives, so I have another to compare it to, and the port is tight. I have looked up at the swivel shaft and see that it doesn't move while I move the gimbal ring side to side, for the amount of play it has. I cannot figure out which swivel shaft I have, so far, from info available online, as even the Mercruiser manual just says that older models have a splined shaft and newer have a square shaft. Perhaps this is immaterial though.
What I would like to know is how to proceed with this. I have tried tightening the two bolts at the top of the gimbal ring, but have not really wrenched down on them, as I was afraid of stripping something. Is this a huge thing to worry about? Am I looking at having to replace the gimbal ring?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Bondo]

Re: Loose Steering at Gimbal Ring

Am I looking at having to replace the gimbal ring?

Ayuh,.... Bein' an 86, yer's is the square shaft,....

If it don't tighten up, with the bolts torqued to 50ft.lbs....
Ya, you need to replace it...

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Loose Steering at Gimbal Ring

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