Drive Stud Washer Question
 

Guys,

In the beginning stages of doing the hydraulic steering conversion in the PQ. While bolting on the drive steering bracket, I noticed this:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...23fb2c0b5.jpeg

What is it and what does it do?

For the time being, I removed it, as it would jack the bracket up and nothing would line up properly. I could put a washer on other three studs, but thought I’d ask if I even need to worry about it.

Thanks. Brad.

ground washer. the other washers are against powder coat so that one is screwed in so the ground can go from the drive into the gimble

Comped,

Makes sense. Interesting, though, that the Mayfair kit instructions mention nothing about it, and the bracket is not machined to accommodate it. I guess I need to find three more washers of the same thickness to level them all out.

Thanks. Brad.

Or drill a hole in the Mayfair bracket in the correct location and use a longer screw. Probably make it oversize.

Marc,

I’m not following….

Thanks. Brad.

I think I pictured the setup wrong. I was thinking it was a flat plate Oops.

Probably wouldn't hurt to drill the bell housing and use one of the screws and cables from the continuity kit to insure the ground.

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/...l/37499833/282

Marc,I ended up machining 1/16” off the stud boss on the steering bracket and reinstalled the grounding washer. Worked out great.

Thanks. Brad

Sort of related
but I needed new stainless lock nuts for my outdrivrs
All the usual places wanted 6 to 10 dollars for one
So searched the specs and found a place called AFT
A box of 100 . Under 50 dollars
Washers were a tad less
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1eb31b7f48.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...66122bf5d0.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...342ea24879.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...87b1935d1b.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...df0585b61b.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...705ba484f5.jpg

PowerBoatr,

My go-to is almost always McMaster-Carr.

7/16-20 Stainless Lock Nuts

Works out to about a buck each, including shipping.

Thanks. Brad.

Going to add thrm to my favorites as well

original nuts are I think chrome plated brass. I would assume they did that because people refuse to use never seize and they wanted to avoid calls about galled threads. stainless is great just remember the never seize even tho I hate the stuff.

my omc outdrive are stainless, book is very adamant about threads
no chrome plated brass
Supposed to be one and done
but in past I have used them 3 times still hold torque
But this new to me boat.. all of them are being replaced.

Without seeing the bracket that you are mounting there I would say it is usually not a good idea to use a washer under a bracket. It keeps it from sitting flat on the surface and might compromise the long term strength.

First thing i would do is call whoever made your conversion kit and ask them. If they say its ok to space it out then go for it.

Otherwise I would personally do away with that grounding point and and use an alternative or put it on the other side of the bracket and drill a hole and use a longer bolt like Mbam suggested.

Bill,

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ce4b409c9.jpeg


Kinda too late. I’ve already machined the bracket. It’s all good, though. Everything lines up perfectly. Moving forward.

Thanks. Brad.

Cheaper way for real outdrive mounting mercruiser / quicksilver nuts/washer is using the kit # vs individual pieces.

859116Q01
859116Q01 Stern Drive Installation Hardware Kit For Mercury Mercruiser
Most places sell under $25

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1ba57d8ef7.png

Ayuh,..... I know what yer saying, but was convinced by an ole marine mechanic, that quicksilver perfect seal does a much better job, as it never washes off, ever,..... I wish I'd learned that years earlier,....
I now coat the threads of pretty much any, 'n every bolt/ nut I think I might want to take apart someday,.....
I use the non-hardening form-a-gasket #3 as it's easier to find, 'n is the same thing as perfect seal,.....
Trailer lug nuts, same on my truck, drive nuts, starter bolts, you name it, it gets #3 1st,.....

my omc book
States gasket sealer on the nuts and seal
#3 works great,
although they recommend omc gasket sealer or equivalent
Just the right amount of sticky
🤣