Mercruiser Bravo 1 Transom Plate (back) is Slightly Curved???

[tank1949]

Attached is photo I took of one of my Bravo 1 transom back plates. It's been cleaned up and panted gray epoxy where there was some surface corrosion. I just noticed that there is a gap of about 1/8" between end of metal ruler and surface of transom plate. It is hard to see gap on photo. The rest of the plate is flat. Is this gap normal? When I torque all 8 nuts, this curve would add constant pressure against nuts/bolts, which may be needed. I have never really noticed these very slight curves in lower part of back plates, but I have never tried looking for them. These maybe normal or required for positive pressure? My gimbal housings are flat. Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

I don't see it as an issue, there not enough there that would cause an issue. My guess is this was one which was removed and now reinstalled, and meant that your transom (old or new) had a variation, and over time the plate stayed that way.

Appears to be within spec for a new transom

 

[Luv2fish36]

I think they get bent from deformed transoms. Make sure your transom doesn't have any spots that have sunken in otherwise it could crack the plate when you re-install it. And those nuts dont torque to much I think it's like 22.5ft lbs.

 

[tank1949]

I think they get bent from deformed transoms. Make sure your transom doesn't have any spots that have sunken in otherwise it could crack the plate when you re-install it. And those nuts dont torque to much I think it's like 22.5ft lbs.

Transom was rotten, and I replaced it. I never noticed plate until now.

 

[tank1949]

I don't see it as an issue, there not enough there that would cause an issue. My guess is this was one which was removed and now reinstalled, and meant that your transom (old or new) had a variation, and over time the plate stayed that way.

Appears to be within spec for a new transom

What are specs??? Just curious. My new transom is flat and parallel.

 

[alldodge]

 

[tank1949]

The rebuild is maybe 1/32" out of being parallel. I am more concerned with aluminum plate being torqued so that it is no longer flat. THX!.

 

[alldodge]

Understand, but it was probably flat (within .005) when manufactured. Was installed on your boat which was out a tad more then that so it was slightly deformed, but still within spec.

Your going to install on your new transom and you should still be good, spec shows 1/8 (0.125). If your transom is flatter then the original, then it will pull it flat, its aluminum. The main issue is the seal out the outside and that there is not so much flex that it cracks.

Place plate on the inner transom and use a feeler gauge to measure any gaps, then decide if you need a new one

 

[tank1949]

Thx!