Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

[FluffyChicken]

Heres the deal. Lets say im at top speed which is right about 41mph. Then i decelerate about 50% or so. The boat quite violently make a hard right hand turn without me even moving the wheel. I've been countersteering to make up for it but I know this cant be right. And if I want to tube or ski and let someone else drive the boat I dont want them to freak out. I noticed that my outdrive when the boat is out of the water quite easily moves back and forth to the left and right but the steering wheel doesnt turn when I do so. So basically im guessing the outdrive is loose somewhere. It moves quite a bit as well not just a half inch each way im talking like if you measured the distance the prop end moves total is probably 6-8 inches. Is this a comon problem? And can i fix it easily. If so what needs to be done? Thanks
Ken

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

Try tightening the two bolts that are on the top of the gimbal ring to 50# & see if that helps......​

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re: Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

The very top ones that are like one inch in diameter? Or on the actual gimbal riing. I jsut want to make sure. sorry

 

[QC]

Re: Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

The two on the Gimbal ring itself . . . If it as bad as it sounds, I think the ring may be shot. Do NOT over torque. After you do torque, look directly at where the ring wraps around the steering shaft and lift up and down on the drive and side to side. You'll know if a new ring is in your future BTW, my boat behaved exactly the same with a shot Gimbal ring . . . Bravo, but basically the same deal. It shot once violently right as it hit a wake just as I backed out. Almost stopped dead in it's tracks That was enough to force me to fix it . . .

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

Have you looked to see where the slop is????
Have someone move the drive back and forth to the limits of the slop, look at the gimbal ring to shaft from the outside, then inside look at what is moving and where it stops. May be just a loose steering cable.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re: Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

Awesome thanks guys i'll have to grab a buddy and have him move it back and forth. I'll keep you posted. I hope its not a gimbal ring. Ijust redid my bellows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: Steering problems. Alpha 1 1986 MCM 170 3.7L

Read this
http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringwear.htm