Reinstalling drive

[stonyloam]

Re: Reinstalling drive

^^^^^ +1 (Terry's 100% right. But we call 'em 'ring spanners' )

Two peoples separated by a common language

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: Reinstalling drive

Did you retorque the gimbal ring clamping screws? 55 ft/lb.

They are the two bolts at the top of the gmibal ring. They hold the gimble ring tightly onto the square portion of the upper gimbal ring pivot pin. #28 here http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...&bnbr=50&bdesc=GIMBAL+RING+AND+STEERING+LEVER If the screws become loose it can cause the gimbal ring to ware out. Making sure they are tight is part of annual maintenance. There should be no side to side play in the outdrive.

I was not aware of this, thanks much for the info. I'll have to get on this right away.

The Alpha-1 gen II manual has wording in it now that says you should glue the large O-ring in place with bellows adhesive. I do that now. Last time I did not glue it in place, I knocked it out of place while installing the drive and cut it in half! Of course I did not know this until the next time I took the drive off. Good thing my paper gasket and shift shaft bushing held (no water in the drive bellows).

kt: makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one that has done that. Yeah learned my lesson use bellows adhesive now.

Did any of you that have done this notice anything funny when reinstalling the drive, such as it not easily seating all the way when this happened? I would just like to know so maybe I could catch this if it were to happen to me.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Reinstalling drive

With the clamping screws I give the outdrive a little shake, side to side to see if there is any play, then tighten. When I did mine initially it had a lot of play (1/2 inch or so). Retorquing the screws fixed that, and have not had a problem since. To retorque I just back the bolt off a little and retighten. Don't feel bad about not knowing about, I'll bet 90% of the folks do not include it in annual maintenance. I learned the hard way:facepalm:. As for the ring, nope, seemed to go in OK, but I was tired and frustrated when I did it. Since then I have built a outdrive stand to help with the install, and make sure that the ring is glued in solidly.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: Reinstalling drive

I've been a (operational) boat owner for about three years now, trying to learn all I can about my hole in the water. I'm just glad to learn new ways to make things last longer, so I have to throw as little into said hole as humanly possible (we're living in rough times these days). Thank you for advancing my endeavor in this challenge my good man. Being out on the water just brings so much joy to the wife and my lives. :thumb:
Is "my lives" correct grammar? I believe so? lol spell check... check. Grammar check... not check :smash: