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Installing a transom assy/gimbal housing

R

Ray M

New member
I hear different ideas on the right way to install a Mercruiser Alpha 1 gen 2 transom assy. One manual says it seas just with the gasket and no sealer. Another says to use Boat Life caulking. A mechanic told me 5200! ( I hope I never need to get it off!) What is the real answer. Thanks
 
I don't think you are supposed to use any adhesives according to the manual and a boat mechanic. I went through it about two years ago. However, it wouldn't hurt to put a little 5200 just around the edge and wipe clean with a soapy rag. (plenty of clean rags) You would be able to get it back off with a razor knife, very carefully and slowly after bolts have been loosened up. Maybe using small wedges and razor cutting as you tap them in ever so slowly. I would think the only reason you would have to pull it off again is if you broke gimble trying to get gimble bearing out or if you had to redo your transom. I actually broke the gimble when I first started working on my boat and had no idea how it was supposed to be removed. Also did not have proper tooling and had not joined this forum. Some gimbles become so corroded that they are junk before you even get them apart. My original gimble housing and bearing were basically fused together with rust so I didn't stand a chance of getting it off anyways without damaging something. (too long new as they say). Anyways, you'll be alright using a little 5200 as long as you clean up real good on edges of all painted surfaces. Maybe just go with the gasket at first, see if it seals (no water coming into inner transom area?) If that is the case, don't bother with the sealer. I just did it to mine because I had cut transom out and it was alot of work and did not want to take any chances of transom swelling up where cutout was made. Yes, I did paint and seal cutout but went the extra mile to try and prevent potential future transom rot. jmho. all the best, Tom P.S. I did not put any 5200 on the new gasket itself but just on the very edge of outer gimble housing and where bolts pass through transom. And that was after mounting outer gimble and torqueing bolts to proper specs. The seal is only as good as the surface it is being mounted to. If the transom is nice and smooth and freshly painted, I would pretty much bet my bottom dollar that it won't ever leak. Again, jmho. (just wanted to clarify that!)
 
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