Outdrive servicing question - gimbal ring torque

[mvoellinger]

In the service guidelines for my alpha one gen II, it says to torque the gimbal ring every 100 hours. Im assuming it is talking about the two bolts at the top of the gimbal ring in the picture below.

I have the service manual, but didn't seem to see where it detailed the procedure. It looks like I have to get a wrench onto the back of the nut/bolt and then loosen it, then retorque it.

What is the specified torque? Ive heard 50 and 55. Figure its a good thing to get down and out of the way while Im doing all the greasing and retorquing the prop nut.

Thanks!

 

[Quint4]

yes two bolts at the top....I remember it being 50lbs. It is good you are keeping them tight or the swivel shaft will "round out" that area and cause slop in the out drive. I am replacing my gimble ring because of this.

 

[mvoellinger]

I bought the boat 5 years old with only 70 hours on it, and I think they ignored the "or annually" for everythign but oil changes, so Im trying to get all caught up on that little stuff that can cost more down the road...

 

[mvoellinger]

I didnt end up doing this service before, so Ill ask again, does anyone know the specific torque? And what is the procedure, loosen then retorque?

 

[Westie]

Service manual says 55 lb-ft.
It does not give a proceedure on how to do it.

 

[ChuckW]

Whenever torquing bolts, you should always loosen, then torque. I also like to take a reading of the torque when loosening them to see what I'm getting.

 

[H2ONUT]

You might want to read THIS

 

[mvoellinger]

You might want to read THIS

Hmmm, interesting. My service manual that came with the boat specifies torquing the gimbal ring every 100 hours, but yet when I checked the latest manual for the 3.0TKS on Mercury's site, it said this "Tighten the connection of the gimbal ring to the steering shaft to specifications." So did the update the wording to better reflect meaning? Can anyone clarify?

 

[H2ONUT]

I have used that site for a few things, the directions are perfect! Found that looking for the torque specs. Could the gimbal ring torque every 100 hours be the 2 studs that join the ring to the bell housing? :huh:

 

[Presentation]

You might want to read THIS

NOTE: This is a old thread that I am bringing back to life.

I think the site in reference in the link is incorrect.

The site says “The ONLY time these bolts should ever be torqued is when the gimbal ring is new and it is being installed for the first time.”

I disagree. I think its a big error!

I think the gimbal ring, the two bolts in the photo at the top should be re-tightened to 53 ft lbs (50 to 55 foot lbs) every 100 hours or annually, whatever comes first.

This keeps the ring tight and reduces wear and a expensive repair.

What do you all think?

 

[Quint4]

Definitely retorque every 100hrs or sooner. This is a common problem and should be part of regular servicing.

 

[Presentation]

Definitely retorque every 100hrs or sooner. This is a common problem and should be part of regular servicing.

You and I are in agreement.

I don’t have a merc drive manual but I think it says to do this as well.

Yet…there it is at the link at sterndrives.com

What am I misunderstanding?

The exact qutoe is "The ONLY time these bolts should ever be torqued is when the gimbal ring is new and it is being installed for the first time."

I dont get it?

 

[Quint4]

My Merc manual says to retorque it. I put alot of money and time in to fix mine last year and I sure as hell will not let it get loose again.
I too wonder about the sterndrive article?