Alpha 1 Gen 2 Gimbal Ring

[Monterey276]

Hi everyone, wanted to get an opinion on the condition of this gimbal ring. I was told by the mechanic I’m working with it looked ok but then I’ve had others say it should be replaced. My original plan was to just wire brush, sand, prime and paint. Does this look damaged or rounded out where the upper swivel pin goes?

 

[Scott06]

I put put the swivel pin in there and torque the two bolts down put steering arm on swivel pin and see if there is play. From the photo it looks alright to me but can be hard to tell from the keyboard

 

[Monterey276]

I put put the swivel pin in there and torque the two bolts down put steering arm on swivel pin and see if there is play. From the photo it looks alright to me but can be hard to tell from the keyboard

It did not have any play when I disassembled it but this has been a problem in the past. When I bought the boat it was leaking here and the upper swivel pins were replaced on both rings. Although it didn’t seem to have any play, I believe those two bolts were torqued to the absolute max

 

[Scott06]

It did not have any play when I disassembled it but this has been a problem in the past. When I bought the boat it was leaking here and the upper swivel pins were replaced on both rings. Although it didn’t seem to have any play, I believe those two bolts were torqued to the absolute max

If there is no play when torqued to correct (aka manual listed) torque reuse it.. Why are folks saying to replace it?

 

[Monterey276]

If there is no play when torqued to correct (aka manual listed) torque reuse it.. Why are folks saying to replace it?

I’ll put the swivel pin and those bolts back in and see how much torque it takes to clamp it back down. Manual says 55’ lbs. Another boater friend said it looked sort of rounded out, which I tend to agree. (Also, the previous history with this part leaking) Then I emailed those photos to JR Marine and talked to a guy Ron over there, he said it should be replaced also.

 

[Scott06]

I’ll put the swivel pin and those bolts back in and see how much torque it takes to clamp it back down. Manual says 55’ lbs. Another boater friend said it looked sort of rounded out, which I tend to agree. (Also, the previous history with this part leaking) Then I emailed those photos to JR Marine and talked to a guy Ron over there, he said it should be replaced also.

Leaking is not going to hurt it as it is wet anyways... it will hurt the pin - Nu Wave marine sells Stainless versions.

Maybe some others will weigh in but I'd probably run it. Of course if it breaks I'm out of town that week...

 

[Monterey276]

Leaking is not going to hurt it as it is wet anyways... it will hurt the pin - Nu Wave marine sells Stainless versions.

Maybe some others will weigh in but I'd probably run it. Of course if it breaks I'm out of town that week...

Lol, gotcha. Appreciate the input.

 

[todhunter]

I agree - if no play, I'd run it. I mean, no harm if you do replace it...other than to your wallet.

 

[Monterey276]

I agree - if no play, I'd run it. I mean, no harm if you do replace it...other than to your wallet.

Thanks! I put the swivel pin back in and am pretty confident it has plenty of life left in it. One last question on this though, this may be pointless, but I considered filling in those rounded out areas with JB Weld. Waste of time you think?

 

[Drivewayboater2]

I’m in the same boat( ). Got a new swivel pin and whalla. Play gone with only 22 on the wrench. I’d suggest replacing the lower bushing ( nylon I assume from the pics). Not sure what you’re talking about with regard to the jb weld?

 

[tank1949]

Hi everyone, wanted to get an opinion on the condition of this gimbal ring. I was told by the mechanic I’m working with it looked ok but then I’ve had others say it should be replaced. My original plan was to just wire brush, sand, prime and paint. Does this look damaged or rounded out where the upper swivel pin goes?

If you can find a used one on EBAY, buy it! New MC parts will cost a fortune.

 

[todhunter]

JB weld will be a waste of time.