[Rick of Austin]

I just bought a well used 93 Diablo w/ a 4.3 V6 and after a day or two of detailing the obvious took it out on Lake Travis for a shakedown. Overall its a great riding boat, was able to pass other similar sized boats while enjoying a better ride in the rough chop. My GF likes it too! It feels fast, has a stainless prop but the speedo wasnt working.
But... there is too much slop in the steering even though it turns freely. It appears the play is at the rack/pinion at the base of the steering wheel. This has me worried that changing the teleflex cable may not eliminate the play.
The outdrive can be moved side to side about 5 degrees each way without the steering wheel moving. Yuck! I hate slop in mechanical stuff!
Anyone have any knowledge on this who could possible tell me what size/part number of cable I need.
Is there a gear that can be replaced in addition to the cable itself?
I do all my own work having been restoring cars and airplanes for 20 years or so.
We also need a bimini top, overtons sure has a lot, what have you guys used on your Diablos?
Thanks Greatly in Advance.
Rick

[WetWilly]

Hi Rick,

Play in the steering normally comes from several assemblies like the rack & pinion, tilt or power steering assemblies rather than the cable. Isolating the correct one will $ave you an arm and a leg!

So try this thread from our member joshandsony for starters (click here) and let us know what resolves your play.

Good luck,
WetWilly

[180diablo]

Well I can't really help or advise you on your steering play issue. Since I have never really investigated part numbers and the mechanical aspect of it. It might be wise to have it inspected by a qualified marine mechanic to prevent any further damage to the unit.

Same goes for the bimini's. I currently only use the one travel tarp that came w/ the boat. I had thought about getting one installed, but that hasnt happened yet. 9 times out of 10 we drive w/o tarps anyways.

[ewcjoro]

Rick -

I just purchased a bimini from http://www.boatcoversdirect.com/ and we are very happy with it.

They had what I needed in stock, and it shipped the same day. Took about 30 minutes to install and I am all set.

No pictures yet, but it looks great. IMO, make sure that you get the SS hardware!

[Rick of Austin]

After a season of use pretty much all the squawks have been resolved. The Play in the steering was a large coupler nut that had backed off the end of the cable in the engine compartment.
For a 93 it runs very well with all the instrumentation, engine controls and accessories working 100%. Am currently experiencing a problem getting it on a plane while towing a slalom but SmartTabs are on the way.
Its also over propped, being a 93 2bbl 4.3 160 hp is all it delivers and the prop is a 14.25 by 21 pitch which is used on the 190 and 205 hp engines. Max rpm is 4300 and I want 4800+
Overall its a great hull but overweight and overbuilt which limits its potential. Being an airplane guy I am super weight conscious so consider the plywood seats crude. had to get that off my chest, no offense I love the boat and so does my GF, she sees the class it has
Rick

[dwmax]

is your prop ss, is it on a alpha 1, and do you want to sell it? let me know thanks