mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

[bill09stanley]

has anybody out there performed the procedure for cutting holes in the gimbal housing to access the steering shaft nuts? can you replace the steering shaft this way?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

I've done it on a Bravo. It gets the job done, but it's miserable work. I'm certain it's just as awful on an Alpha. I've also used the JR Marine cover plate on the same Bravo so that I had three holes to work with and it was very easy. Not sure if anyone makes a cover kit for the Alpha like the JR Marine Bravo kit, but that would be the best bet, IMO.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

Yes, you can.
The part you get from Mercruiser is called the Gimble Housing Access Plug Kit.
Part number 22-88847A1.
You also need a drill, a 1 1/8" hole saw, and a 1" NPT tap.
The kit comes with the templates and instructions. It's ugly, weakens the assy and give water another place to eventually start leaking thru. I wont use the kit, it doesn't take that long to pull the engine and transom assy.

 

[telstar1]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

I did it on my alpha a few years ago. There were no issues, yes you can remove the steering shaft. Have to drop bell housing and boot to make room for it to come out as as far as I recall.I wasnt worried about weakening the structure I ve never seen a transom plate break so never considered that frankly. For me, I just didnt feel like discombobulating everything to remove engine and transom plate,drilling the holes was just a few minute job. I didnt feel like buying a plpe tap so I made one out of a stainlss steel pipe fitting. Worked ok, a pipe tap prob would have worked better.In my case 90 percent of my steering slack was due to a worn steering arm, likely because I was not diligent about tightening it up. There was no significant wear anywhere else.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

has anybody out there performed the procedure for cutting holes in the gimbal housing to access the steering shaft nuts? can you replace the steering shaft this way?

There are instructions for determining where your problem is, and how to make the repair here http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringwear.htm As mentioned before. chances are your shaft is fine (steel) and the problem is your arm or ring (aluminum). I have done it and it is a PITA. I did not use the plugs, I saved the aluminum drill outs and epoxied them back in. Worked fine an no ugly plugs, no leaks. Retorquing the clamping screws didn't help?

 

[bill09stanley]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

i can see the gimbal ring moving a little bit at the shaft. i'm bringing the tools home from work tonight to tighten it, but there's alot of play- i feel it might not take care of all the slop. ill post back later tonight.

 

[bill09stanley]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

well, the bolt on the starboard side was a little loose. i bet the gimbal ring is worn. how much slack is too much? I havent operated the boat yet, just bought it.

 

[Don S]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

Any play between the gimbal ring and the pivot shaft is too much. The aluminum of the gimbal ring wears when loose. Then you can't tighten it enough.
There is actually a section in the owners and service manuals that tells you to check the torque on those nuts yearly. When it's not done, the gimbal ring wears out.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: mercruiser alpha one access hole kit

I'm half way done with replacing my swivel shafts (upper and lower) and the upper swivel shaft seal, and am doing it through the access holes.
New seal and bushings are installed; now I just have to install new SS (J&R marine) swivel shaft, and assemble everything back up.
I don't have means to remove engine, so the access hole method was my only practical option.
Getting the nut off the swivel shaft (via chisel) was very easy.........removing both upper and lower "permalube" bushings was very very challenging.........but soooo worth it...they were very worn.