Mercruiser Alpha Steering pivot replacement

[Corky]

Does anyone know of an engineer around the Gosport area who will replace the top steering pivot of a Mercruiser OD leg without removing engine and whole stern assembly (thereby costing a fortune)? A friend in the States tells me they cut an inspection hole and have a removal tool over there, which makes sense but over here they only talk of doing it 'the proper way' although they can't justify why. "Never heard of it" is the comment. Anyone found such an engineer/mechanic?

 

[volvopaul]

Remove the transom shield its the only way to do it properly, you will also find many more gremlins when you take the engine out and sort them, that way you will have a few years trouble free, not much trouble to remove the engine and have a good clean up as well.

 

[capnjack]

Just replied to the same question on Sportboat & Rib forum.

There is a Mercruiser Kit for this which UK dealers ought to know about. Here is a link to describe the repair.......

http://www.mercstuff.com/gimbalringinst.htm

I have seen a better description, but at the moment I can't remember where, sorry.

 

[Corky]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Steering pivot (Upper Swivel Shaft) replacement

Cheers Jack. This is just what I was told to be feasible, trying to get boatyards to do it is another thing. I should've done it when the engine was replaced recently but the option of another £2400, to replace a £90 component , put it well out of the equation. Now if I can just find a reasonable mechanic here. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Useful site link too. Cheers.

 

[pistonbroke]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Steering pivot (Upper Swivel Shaft) replacement

Not sure how you arrive at a 2400 pound bill for that job. At best it's a days work, so 500 max, plus parts.

The alternative is the hole saw route, but that is likely to take just as long, with the potential problem of the screw in blanks leaking, or the transom assembly rotting away!

 

[Corky]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha Steering pivot (Upper Swivel Shaft) replacement

Never sure how some firms arrive at the quotes that do. Particularly as they had the engine out already. The rest of the assembly looked good, just wear on the square section.