sgr

On my Bravo 1 outdrive, I'm seeing a little bit of slop in the left side pivot pin (hinge pin for tilting the gimble ring).

If I put the drive down with the boat on the trailer, and push and pull side to side on the skeg, I feel a little bit of slop, and can see the slop at the left hinge pin. The right side looks good. The gimble was replaced about 80 hours ago, so I'm wondering if the pin is just loose, as opposed to worn out.

What should I check and do to correct the problem?

If the pin is just loose because it wasn't tightened in with lock-tite, is this something I can fix myself withoug pulling the drive? I understand you need a special tool to do this?

Thanks,
Steve

HiPerf2000

One trick is to always keep those 2 bolts on the top of the ring torqued down tight!! The Pin will not wear as fast. I re-torque mine everytime i think about it.

check to see if one is loose.

sgr

The pivot pin I'm referring to is the ones on the sides that allow the drive to tilt up and down, not the pivots for the steering which are on the top and bottom of the gimble ring. Sorry.

1BIGJIM

I had the same problem, mine was loose. Remove the trim sending unit, 2 screws. You will see the hinge pin. Yes you need a special tool. It cost around $20 from any mercruiser dealer.
Simple as that.

US1 Fountain

I had to tighten a buddies pin up twice this yr. I think since it went unoticed at first, it wore the threads a little and will loosen over time. 1st sign of it loosening up is that the trim will start not working.
Just use a 1/2" allen socket and torque to 100 ft lb. Use lock tight also.

sgr

I took a look at mine last night. The pin is definitely loose.

It is a 12-point pattern on the pin. So is it just a standard 1/2 inch, 12-point to tighten it? Or do you have to buy the Mercury tool?

Looking at the pattern, I can't tell if a 1/2 inch hex would fit. I didn't have one to try either.

Thanks,
Steve

US1 Fountain

Yep, 1/2" hex is what I used.

formula31

Mee too, use red locktite after cleaning threads.

WILDTHING TAZ

THE SIDE PIVOT PINS SHOULD BE AT 60 LBS OF TOURQUE WITH RED LOCK TIGHT. IF YOUR THREADS IN YOUR BELL HOUSING ARE SLOPPED OUT FROM BEING LOOSE YOU NEED IT FIXED. WE CAN REPAIR THE BELL HOUSING THREADS CHECK OUT MY WEB SIGHT UNDER BELL HOUSING REPAIR. WWW.JRMARINE.COM CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANY THING RON BENDER 216-390-1330

US1 Fountain

Merc Bravo manual: 90-100ft lbs. for the hinge pins with Loctite 271 (red)

Why do you suggest 60? Just curious.
Thanks