Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave R
Steering slop is a given in a cable steering system, but there are some other things you need to know:
1.Mercruiser I/Os require routine checks of the torque on the gimbal ring pinch nuts. If those are loose the gimbal ring can wear and cause steering slop in the drive.
2. Mercruiser I/Os have a pinch bolt on the steering lever that can loosen up and cause wear on the steering lever and swivel shaft that will also cause slop.
For some reason, Volvo Penta I/Os don't seem to suffer from either of the problems described above.
3. All single engine I/O boats with V-hulls wander at low speed. Some are worse than others. With practice, you can stay ahead of it and maintain a straight course. If you wait until the boat has already turned, you are not staying ahead of it. This is not caused by steering slop and it's a well-known phenomenon, but probably not very well understood.
|
Check #1 asap.
Loose is bad.
Loose for a long time is big $$$!