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1930 Gemmer Steering Box

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Jim Godlewski
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1930 Gemmer Steering Box

Post by Jim Godlewski » Mon Jan 18, 2021 7:14 pm

Should I split this gearbox here and clean out the old lube so I can add the new lube? I'm not sure if it will simply come apart at that joint. Or should I just remove the fill plug and see if it will drain and then refill? What is the bolt and jamb nut closest to the column for?
Thanks!
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20210118_190231_resized.jpg
1956 17 Sportsman CC-17-2310
1930 Model 100 7152

jfrprops
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Re: 1930 Gemmer Steering Box

Post by jfrprops » Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:09 am

you can split it apart there...and that thing you point to ...I think that tightens the sector...did on old cars and that is an automobile unit of some kind. If it ain't broke...I always elect not to open pandora's box.
John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
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1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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Bilge Rat
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Re: 1930 Gemmer Steering Box

Post by Bilge Rat » Tue Jan 19, 2021 10:06 am

While you can still get steering gearbox oil, one of the challenges is keeping it from leaking past seals and into the bilge. I hate oil in the bilge. One way around this is to use a high pressure grease instead of oil. The steering assembly was taken from car manufacturers of the day and as cars had to operate in below freezing temperatures, they used a heavy weight oil to remain somewhat viscous at these temperatures. Grease would be way too stiff to safely steer a vehicle when cold. Since we don't boat in below freezing weather (at least I don't) a grease substitute will work fine and normal seals will keep it inside the box.

The bolt and jamb nut is there to reduce play in the shaft and worm gear so the steering isn't too loose. The attached picture is a Gemmer box from a 50's Chris Craft Sportsman and while slightly different, the bolt and jamb nut are on the side where the sector and worm meet. You want it to not have too much play, but be slightly stiff when adjusted correctly.
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IMG_0582.jpg
IMG_0390.jpg
1966 Lyman Cruisette 25 foot "Serenity Now!"
1953 Chris Craft Sportsman 22 foot "Summerwind"

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Jim Godlewski
Posts: 574
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2010 12:32 pm
Location: Saint Clair Shores, Michigan
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Re: 1930 Gemmer Steering Box

Post by Jim Godlewski » Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:03 am

I'm on the same page as if it aint broke, do I dare just leave it alone? It does turn freely.
Attachments
20210120_102405_resized.jpg
20210118_135423_resized.jpg
1956 17 Sportsman CC-17-2310
1930 Model 100 7152

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