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Sterndrives for Dummies

S

SUPERNUKES

New member
I just got my first sterndrive. Its on a 78 Convincer. I keep it on a trailer. Should the drive be kept up. Right now it is propped up witha board. I have read it is best to keep down. Also ther is play in steering. Do I check the steering lever for play from the inside of the boat or the outside. It appears the play is not in the power steering mechanism. If the Gimble is bad roughly what does it cost to replace. My trim tab is gone what is its purpose. Anything else I should know. Thanx
 
I just got my first sterndrive. Its on a 78 Convincer. I keep it on a trailer. Should the drive be kept up. Right now it is propped up witha board. I have read it is best to keep down. Also ther is play in steering. Do I check the steering lever for play from the inside of the boat or the outside. It appears the play is not in the power steering mechanism. If the Gimble is bad roughly what does it cost to replace. My trim tab is gone what is its purpose. Anything else I should know. Thanx
 
Drive down whenever possible,bellows is relaxed that way.JUST DON'T FORGET TO PUT THE DRIVE UP BEFORE TOWING!!
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I run a flat trim tab because of clearance problems with the prop.If you have "torque steer",you could put a tab with a fin on.
Redboat
 
well that brings up a question i have, I have trailered many of outboard bots but this I/o seems to drift bad to the left (or right?) as i approach the trailer. Something I need to get used to? sorry for all the newbe questions.

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normally slow speed wander is associated with the gimbal ring assembly.. the steering lever and pin wear or corrode from the seal leaking.. two ways to repair this.. remove the drive, engine, and transom shield.. or you can drill access holes on the outside of the transom shield to access the bolts that hold the steering lever on.. if you choose to drill the holes.. leave this to someone who is qualified.. and has done it before.. they can be drilled incorrectly and become a costly expense.. notably, there is a nut on top of the steering pin also.. which may not be accessable from the inside of the boat.. this depends on how the hole was cut to accomodate the transom shield.. in which case .. to effect repair would require pulling the engine and shield..

to check for play in your gimball ring.. pull up on the cavitation plate and check for movement.. if it moves its loose .. next.. take a flashlight and look at the steering arm inside the boat.. look for water trails.. or corrosion.. if found.. the upper seal in the transom assy is leaking, and time for repair.. .. i hoped this helped..
 
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