Transom assembly rebuild

[chartersj]

I’m in the process of rebuilding my bravo transom assembly due to a leaking swivel pin seal. I’m going to get a stainless pin, I see some cheaper kits on Amazon/ebay and just wondering if anyone has any experience using them? I have read there might be some fitment issues with the tiller arm and others say they work fine. Any one here with some actual experience?

 

[Scott06]

Good friend of mine used the stainless pin from nuwave marine in NJ. Was recommended by his mechanic as he had perfect results with them over the years
wether it is the pin or bellows stay away from the cheap stuff out there…

are you removing engine or using one of the kits to do from outside the boat

 

[chartersj]

Good friend of mine used the stainless pin from nuwave marine in NJ. Was recommended by his mechanic as he had perfect results with them over the years
wether it is the pin or bellows stay away from the cheap stuff out there…

are you removing engine or using one of the kits to do from outside the boat

I seen the nuwave and have heard they fit good.
I have removed the engine as I did not want to cut the hole in the top of the housing.

 

[dubs283]

I have removed the engine as I did not want to cut the hole in the top of the housing.

Going that far it may be in the best interest to remove the transom assy and do the steering shaft, seal, tiller, etc. on the bench. I've found access issues to the top nut with interference from the transom cutout. May require grinding out wood/glass to access the nut.

Removal of the entire assy allows you to inspect the transom as well. Plus clean the bilge and surrounding areas.

I've never used aftermarket parts for this type of repair so caveat emptor

 

[chartersj]

Going that far it may be in the best interest to remove the transom assy and do the steering shaft, seal, tiller, etc. on the bench. I've found access issues to the top nut with interference from the transom cutout. May require grinding out wood/glass to access the nut.

Removal of the entire assy allows you to inspect the transom as well. Plus clean the bilge and surrounding areas.

I've never used aftermarket parts for this type of repair so caveat emptor

Yeah I didn’t make myself clear I have the transom assembly off the hull as well and completely tore down to inspect everything. Luckily the gimbal ring is good. I didn’t have any play in the steering, only leaking from the seal due to a corroded pin

 

[chartersj]

My transom housing is ate out on the very bottom and where the swivel pin seal goes. So i'm on the hunt for a new or very good condition housing.
It seems the bravo housing is the same as a newer alpha gen 2 housing. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[racerone]

Try-----king's propeller repair---Ontario , Canada---Good freshwater used might be available.

 

[chartersj]

Try-----king's propeller repair---Ontario , Canada---Good freshwater used might be available.

ok thanks

 

[Scott06]

My transom housing is ate out on the very bottom and where the swivel pin seal goes. So i'm on the hunt for a new or very good condition housing.
It seems the bravo housing is the same as a newer alpha gen 2 housing. Can anyone confirm this?

I think bravo and Alpha transoms are different parts as they have different part numbers..

the cutout in the transom is the same but that's it.

There are several transom assys used on ebay at moment. Would look to buy one from a freshwater location vs saltwater one...

 

[racerone]

Fresh water / short season is even a better choice.

 

[chartersj]

Yeah definitely want a fresh water unit. I have a new SS swivel pin kit ready to put it all back together. I found a little information online that said the real late model alpha housing where the same as the bravos. nice clean bravos are hard to find,,,been looking all winter for one

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Just finished the steering / swivel pin on my B3 transom assy. Was not as difficult as anticipated, just a little time consuming, taking it nice and slow. Coming apart was far more difficult / time consuming than re-assy.

From what I understand (don't quote me) the Alpha Gen2 and bravo's use the same transom assy and gimbal ring, but the the major differance is Alpha Gen 2 bell housing is set up for shifter linkage for Alpha drive unit and the Bravo only has the cable in it, as the shifter is internal to the Bravo outdrive. The new assys are beefier than the old Alpha transom assy's / gimbal rings / bell housings

 

[Scott06]

Just finished the steering / swivel pin on my B3 transom assy. Was not as difficult as anticipated, just a little time consuming, taking it nice and slow. Coming apart was far more difficult / time consuming than re-assy.

From what I understand (don't quote me) the Alpha Gen2 and bravo's use the same transom assy and gimbal ring, but the the major differance is Alpha Gen 2 bell housing is set up for shifter linkage for Alpha drive unit and the Bravo only has the cable in it, as the shifter is internal to the Bravo outdrive. The new assys are beefier than the old Alpha transom assy's / gimbal rings / bell housings

Gimbal housing for both alpha gen 2 and bravo have different part numbers, gimbal ring as well. Obviously complete transom assemblies (gimbal housing, gimbal ring, bellhousing all assembled ) are also diff part numbers.

gimbal housing part no alpha gen 2 8M0062568
gimbal housing bravo 8M0096216 , 8M0096217 for seacore

gimbal ring alpha gen 2 865328A01
gimbal ring bravo 8M0062440, 8M0063519 for sea core

Major parts interchange seems limited to gimbal bearing itself, the gimbal to transom seal ( same part number but show different shapes on parts dwgs so shape of gimbal hsg is different). Merc uses diff part numbers for upper gimbal pin, but aftermarket stainless upper gimbal pins show alpha and bravo both use the same. Steering arm looks the same too.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Gimbal housing for both alpha gen 2 and bravo have different part numbers, gimbal ring as well. Obviously complete transom assemblies (gimbal housing, gimbal ring, bellhousing all assembled ) are also diff part numbers.

gimbal housing part no alpha gen 2 8M0062568
gimbal housing bravo 8M0096216 , 8M0096217 for seacore

gimbal ring alpha gen 2 865328A01
gimbal ring bravo 8M0062440, 8M0063519 for sea core

Major parts interchange seems limited to gimbal bearing itself, the gimbal to transom seal ( same part number but show different shapes on parts dwgs so shape of gimbal hsg is different). Merc uses diff part numbers for upper gimbal pin, but aftermarket stainless upper gimbal pins show alpha and bravo both use the same. Steering arm looks the same too.

If that is correct, then I stand corrected.

If I were considering a swap like that, I definitely would be doing measurements and comparisons and such, as at times, an OEM will have a different part number due to some small insignificant change that, in the grand scheme of things, means very little in the overall usage serviceability of the unit or can be easily modified to fit the desired usage.

 

[chartersj]

I noticed on the parts fiche they were different part numbers. Comparing pictures they look identical. If I found one close to me I would take my old one to see if they match. But can only find used ones online and I’m hesitant to drop good money on something I don’t know will work for sure.

 

[Scott06]

I noticed on the parts fiche they were different part numbers. Comparing pictures they look identical. If I found one close to me I would take my old one to see if they match. But can only find used ones online and I’m hesitant to drop good money on something I don’t know will work for sure.

Hard to tell unless u are around them daily or have them in front of you. Highly doubt gimbal rings would be same part different numbers

 

[racerone]

See post #7 ----see if they can help.

 

[chartersj]

See post #7 ----see if they can help

I messaged them still waiting for a reply

 

[chartersj]

Hard to tell unless u are around them daily or have them in front of you. Highly doubt gimbal rings would be same part different numbers

My gimbal ring and bell housing is fine. Didn’t have slop in it. Just need a new transom housing,,

 

[chartersj]

While I have this apart I was considering adding grease nipples to the upper and lower swivel pin bushings. I'm just curious if anyone else hear has done it and if it has helped. My only concern is blowing out the lower seal from adding too much grease