Port side swivel pin replacement

Port side swivel pin replacement.

[@hammerhead2558]

Put a small rubber tube around the bit to keep it from going in to far. Just leave a little bit of bit sticking out.

[@MotorsbyShooter]

I ended up doing something like a small rubber tube...I used some electrical tape.

[@mcplutt]

Nice video, but isn't it easier to use some kind of cutting disc or tool. Air or Dremel driven ? What about the Dremel Trio ?

[@MotorsbyShooter]

You are correct Svein...a Dremel would be easier, but I didnt have one so I just followed the recommendations of the guy that I got the kit from. I would recommend drilling the holes from the pattern, then come back with a Dremel. The kit does come with 3 dremel disc, but as I said...I dont have a dremel and I didnt want to buy one. If I do any more repairs like this on other people's boats, then I will get the dremel tool. Drilling the holes from the pattern will just make it easier on the dremel disc. I learned the secret to not break drills is to not let the drill go in too far whenever you drill thru. There is a tapered wall on the other side and when the drill hits it, this causes the drill to bend and then break. Let the drill just barely go thru to the other side and you will be good. If you need help with anything...just holler and I will try my best to help you. :o)

[@mattbress9304]

I need to replace my pin and steering lever. Did you need to remove the gimbal ring to replace the pin? and if you left the gimbal ring in place did you replace the seal bushing or seal? this project seems like I might be able to do it but very intimidating

[@MotorsbyShooter]

Hi Matt...Dont let it intimidate you. It is a lot easier than it looks. If you are going to remove the gimbal...you have to pull the motor. The way I did it doesnt require a motor pull. There is a pattern that you tape onto the gimbal, then make a series of small holes with a drill. If you have a drimmal tool...use that to cut between the holes. If you dont have a drimmal, then use a sharp chisel to knock out the aluminum between the holes. Watch all my videos and you will be able to do it easy. When you get your new swivel pin...dont get one from Mercruiser. They are carbon steel and will start to rust as soon as it gets in the water. Look on E-Bay or do a GOOGLE search..."stainless steel Mercruiser swivel pin" and many will come up. You might can find them cheaper from somewhere else, but this is what you will need... 1. cover plate... www.cpperformance.com/p-15854-bravo-swivel-shaft-cover-plate-installation-kit.aspx (Do not use the 4 socket head cap screws to hold the plate in place. Drill the holes and tape the threads, but use stainless steel studs with red lock-tite. Install the studs until they bottom out and let the lock-tite cure out over night. Install the gasket with some gasket sealer, then the plate and use lock nuts. Tighten them down tight but dont go over board on the tight.) 2. This is the pin, bushings and seals... www.amazon.com/Mercruiser-Stainless-Steering-Replaces-866718A01/dp/B07MZL6PYP (to install the bushings, it can be done using the flat side of a socket, but it is much easier to use the Mercruiser bushing replacement tool) 3. I got all my stuff from JR Marine in Ohio when I replaced my pins. I dont know if he is still in business or not, but you might call to check...[phone] Your pin you have in there now is probably eat up with pits and rust and that is what killed the seal. You can see both of my swivel pins and what they looked like and both seals were gone, because with the great wisdom of Mercruiser, the swivel pins back in 1993 were made from carbon steel instead of stainless. Stupid does not even come close to my thought of whatever Mercruiser engineer came up with this plan. In my boat, there were 2 seals...one was facing up and the other on top of it was facing down. Before installing the new pin and after you get the new bushings and seals in place...use a generous amount of water resistant grease. Pot some on your finger or a flat screw driver and put it in the smaller upper bushing. Coat the pin pretty heavy with grease and especially around and in the seals. If you need more help or have questions...send me a PM and I will send you my phone number and we can talk about it. You can also find me on my Face Book using MotorsbyShooter.

[@TapHax]

Hi there, I have a lot of play in my outdrive.. garage wanted $1000 with parts and labor to replace my gimbal ring plus $1000 for labor and parts to do bellows and bearings while it’s out. Can this remedy my issue?

[@MotorsbyShooter]

You can replace the entire gimbal assembly but keep in mind that to do this, the motor must come out. However, you will still have some play in the outdrive if the swivel pin and the bushings are not replaced. The play in the drive is because the bushings are worn. If it was me, I would do what I have done here and save yourself around $1500.00. Dont buy the Mercruiser swivel pin as it is carbon steel. Look on Ebay, Amazon or better yet, look up JR Marine and buy everything from him in stainless steel. This is intimidating but dont let it...it is not that difficult. The most difficult thing to do here is drilling all the holes. Replacing the bellows is very simple...just be sure to use the bellows glue, and dont be afraid to use too much glue. Take pictures as you take things apart so that if you get confused as to how something goes back together, you will have pics to look at for re-assembly.

[@nestyles11]

Is it leak proof?

[@MotorsbyShooter]

Yes it is...use the gasket and also a small amount of silicone...no leaks.

[@brandyperkins1838]

do you have a part# for the kit?

[@MotorsbyShooter]

I would get the cover plate from this place... www.jrmarine.com/instructions.htm . The rest of it you can get here... www.amazon.com/Housing-Steering-Mercruiser-Replaces-866718A01/dp/B08CHC5DL9 . I would askif you can get everything from JR Marine if you call about the cover plate as it would be easier to get everything from him.

[@brandyperkins1838]

thank you really appreciate the info

[@nestyles11]

Worried that I might get water in from outside

[@MotorsbyShooter]

You wont get any water coming in if you follow the instructions. The only thing I did differently is use 1/4-20 studs instead of bolts. I didnt want to try to tighten the plate down using a stainless steel screw/bolt into aluminum threads. If the threads strip out...you are in deep do-do.