A LITTLE SLOPPY

[magster65]

For a Merc. Alpha drive, can anyone tell me what sort of fit there is suppose to be between the steering cable end and the steering arm (at the clevis pin). Mine seems a little sloppy and the boat does wander a bit at low speeds. If it's only suppose to be a clearance fit, is there a kit available or...?

 

[geriksen]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

That connection is rarely a problem. The place to check is at the top of the gimbal ring. If you look closely you can see a steel shaft that goes through the top of the gimbal ring and into the transom plate. Rock the drive left and right and watch the shaft through the gap. If the shaft moves with the ring all is well. If the ring moves and the shaft doesn't Try to tighten the two through bolts at the top of the ring (not too much they only take 40lbs) If they are tight and you still have slop there the entire gimbal ring will need to be replaced. <br />The handling issue that you describe is common and may just be the nature of the boat's hull design. Many stern/heavy boats wil wander at low speeds.<br />If the gimbal ring is tight

 

[geriksen]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

sorry 'bout my typo

 

[flashback]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

Deep v hulls like to wander at low speeds, it is very common..................

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

Dang Flash, I gave up drinking because of the wandering. Guess I'll have to take it back up now that's its not my fault.

 

[magster65]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

hehe... Good one Ken. I know the hull style I have is prone to wandering and it's not that bad. The upper pin on the gimbal ring hasn't any play in it. I noticed that joint at the steering shaft and steering arm has though. I've never really noticed what sort of fit is on those... someone run out to thier boat and have a looksie A boat that wanders always ends up at a local marine pub... where ours is kiddin'<br />Thanks

 

[geriksen]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

Some times they do wear out at the top. There is a bolt that goes throught the tiller arm that can tighten it up. The problem is the only way to access it without pull the whole powertrain out of the boat is to drill two large holes in the transom plate to access the bolt. You then plug the holes with two plastic plugs. This is also what you have to do to change the gimbal ring. You can see the bolt from the inside but you cannot turn it. <br />When we get one in the shop like this we replace the tiller arm and the shaft both. That fixes it. Pricey though.

 

[flashback]

Re: A LITTLE SLOPPY

yep, go ahead and have a beer Ken, and rest easy knowing that it never was your fault...