Too much play in steering

[james_r_]

Recently I've posted a message about too much play in the steering of a 27' sea ray. The response that I recieved (thank you )was to tug, shake and pull to determine where the play was.But I spent time looking, The steering cable looks new, and I really can't see anything without getting into a major project. This is ok, but can anyone reccomend a repair manual that deals with steering> I figure a few bucks on a book could save many many hours. of wasted labor. Most of the manuals I've scanned only breifly mention the steering.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Too much play in steering

I don't know if that Book is out there or not.....<br /><br />There's only 2 places to look Randy.... Either there's Slop at the Helm, Or there's Slop at the Tiller End.....While you've got your face down in back of the engine, Checking the Tiller End, the Tiller,+ Gimbal Pin are about a foot to the side of that..... You crawl in to look, while someone else shakes the Wheel,+ the Outdrive....<br /><br />Are you Sure it's not just V-hull Wander ????

 

[MrBill]

Re: Too much play in steering

On an I/O drive...if all slack is out of the cabling and inside the boat steering mechanisms as you suggest there are three locations in the outdrive where steering play may be found (depending on drive type, assuming Alpha for discussion)...<br /><br />1. Two bolts that go through top of gimbal ring assembly to secure tight grip on upper swivel shaft. On my boat these are accessible without taking off the drive, from outside the boat.<br />2. Nut on top of upper swivel shaft (potentially accessible with special shaped wrench from inside boat, but probably not root cause if other two items are tight).<br />3. Bolt (and nut) going through steering lever that attaches to upper swivel shaft. (Very difficult access without removal of drive, although I have tightened with box wrench on one end and various specialzed tools on the other in extreme circumstances).<br /><br />You can either see or feel slack at these points if you know where to look. Here's a typical Alpha schematic, hope it helps....<br /><br />http://www.mercruiserpar ts.com/Show_Pictures3.asp?dnbr=%2099964&ivar=images/CRUISER/99964/9.png&inbr=2203&bnbr=50&bdesc=GIMBAL+RING+AND+STEERING+LEVER<br /><br />See additional comments below...

 

[DJ]

Re: Too much play in steering

Randy,<br /><br />Good suggestions from the others. <br /><br />Is this a new problem? You may be chasing a ghost. Many v-hull boats tend to "wander" at no wake speeds. The phenom. is called "v-hull wander".<br /><br />Is that what you are trying to fix? If so, you can't. You will need to learn to not oversteer.

 

[magster65]

Re: Too much play in steering

The V-hull wander is so bad in my in-laws Carver it requires almost a complete revolution of the steering wheel (back and forth) to keep it straight. At 10mph and up the problem goes away.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Too much play in steering

Found the tool that allows tightening of the bolt and nut that goes through steering lever that is attached to upper swivel shaft WITHOUT TAKING OFF DRIVE....Craftsman reversible ratchet box wrench, about $22. Detach swivel arm from steering, use regular box wrench on one side, this tool on the other, it rachets at least 64 times per rotation...great for tight spots. Mines now tight as a drum.