Steering pin seal the likely culprit?

[Tomco]

Ok, so this is part 2 of my Bravo III drive problems! Over the summer I've found water in the bilge (I keep a very clean and dry bilge, so this is noticeable to me) that only occurs when underway. That is, no water enters when docked. On inspection from the ER, there is water (splashed) high on each drive assembly (above steering arm). Water is accumulating under each engine, leading me to believe that water is getting in from both drive assemblies. On the outside, the starboard drive is tight on the steering (no sideways play) and the port has maybe an inch or two of play.

The marina have taken off the starboard drive (for a clutch and maybe gears) and have found no water in the bellows. Does this mean that the steering pin seal is the likely culprit? To do both drives would be a small mortgage!! The bellows were replaced two seasons ago so we suspect that the problem is the same on both sides.

Thanks,

 

[themikehyde]

Recommend looking with a boor-scope around the steering arm. That is how I found mine.

 

[Tomco]

Recommend looking with a boor-scope around the steering arm. That is how I found mine.

Unfortunately, the boat is out of the water and winterized now. The scope would have been a good idea during the summer ... unfortunately, I will have to make a call with it on the hard. I want to make sure that there is nothing else to consider first.

 

[themikehyde]

If its leaking like that, you should be able to see the signs or traces, even dry.

 

[480ces]

If its leaking like that, you should be able to see the signs or traces, even dry.

Agreee, corrosion should be evident if the seal is compromised. Time to buy a new toy and scope it out!

 

[SeaAyeOwe]

Tom - you have probably read this already but see my thread below on a similar issue.

I will pull the boat this winter and we will complete a full investigation when on the hard - after the euphoria of thinking I may have saved myself a reasonable amount of boat bucks had worn off, I am still not convinced that my issue is simply the wash down process. In other words, it may still be the gooseneck, swivel shaft seal or even the cool fuel system - and any one of them may still require a new transom assembly. Anyway - we will see once I pull it and take a look with the mechy.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/69745-BIII-Transom-Assembly-Question-on-a-DA-pics

 

[Tomco]

Is it usual to have to replace the gimbal ring if there is corrosion? Have not scoped the seal area but there is some corrosion on the drive/gimbal ring ... so one could assume it may be around the seal area as well.

 

[Henry Boyd]

With the boat out of the water it is easy to tell. Put the drive down. Have someone hold the steering, the closer to the steering arm the better. Now on the outside swing the drive side to side. While doing that watch the connection between the steering pin and the top of the gimbal ring. If the ring moves and the pin doesn't, the socket in the ring may be worn. If they both move together the ring is fine.

If the ring isn't worn you should inspect it closely when you change the seal. It's the same amount of work to replace it as the seal, so give serious thought to upgrading the ring while it is apart if there is any wear.

Henry


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Bt Doctur]

Might as well add the missing grease fitting to prevent rust and corrosion in the future.

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...ing-that-prevents-steeering-arm-water-leakage