Tweet
New 106's - Superior Experience - helpful tips
I just installed a new pair of SE 106's in our 1985 Sea Ray 270 Sundancer. Being used in the sometimes extreme weather conditions of Michigan's Lake Superior, we will try to keep our post updated as we go.
Experience so far:
Very pleased with the knowledge and answers obtained when I originally placed the order. Shipping was quick.
Assembly of the drives went very well. It would be great if the installation kit included replacement washers but the old ones cleaned up fine. The teardrop shaped ground strap/washer, taken from the original drives, had to be altered slightly to match the new drive hole pattern. With the hole in the drive also larger, they were attached with a bolt, nut and washer instead of screwed directly into the drive like the originals.
During installation I initially had a problem that was easily corrected. Engines are aligned perfectly but both drives would not slide in the last 1 1/2 inches. From the grease markes on the shaft, I thought it might be the O-rings not wanting to compress into the gimbal bearing - not so. Turns out the new gimbal bearings were rotated slightly out of alignment. Frustrated with the struggle, I re-installed the alignment tool and pulled it both up-down and side to side. Both drives then slid right in with little effort. To help keep the shift lever aligned, a bungie chord was used to put tension on the propeller to keep it from coming out of forward gear - a big help. A dry land test run was done and everything appears to be working properly, shifting etc.. I'll post a follow-up when it sees the water.
Experience so far:
Very pleased with the knowledge and answers obtained when I originally placed the order. Shipping was quick.
Assembly of the drives went very well. It would be great if the installation kit included replacement washers but the old ones cleaned up fine. The teardrop shaped ground strap/washer, taken from the original drives, had to be altered slightly to match the new drive hole pattern. With the hole in the drive also larger, they were attached with a bolt, nut and washer instead of screwed directly into the drive like the originals.
During installation I initially had a problem that was easily corrected. Engines are aligned perfectly but both drives would not slide in the last 1 1/2 inches. From the grease markes on the shaft, I thought it might be the O-rings not wanting to compress into the gimbal bearing - not so. Turns out the new gimbal bearings were rotated slightly out of alignment. Frustrated with the struggle, I re-installed the alignment tool and pulled it both up-down and side to side. Both drives then slid right in with little effort. To help keep the shift lever aligned, a bungie chord was used to put tension on the propeller to keep it from coming out of forward gear - a big help. A dry land test run was done and everything appears to be working properly, shifting etc.. I'll post a follow-up when it sees the water.
Comment