MerCruiser 42260A6 42259-C Gimbal Housing Transom Plate Alpha One 5-Bolt 1988-90 New Parts The earliest 1986 version has

The earliest 1986 version has top holes located in more pronounced flanges that are more "independent" from the casting

No middle piece for this

Removed from a 1981 OMC 3

Small crack through the center hole which is common for these

MerCruiser 42260A6 42259-C Gimbal Housing Transom Plate Alpha One 5-Bolt 1988-90 New Parts The earliest 1986 version hasItem Details MerCruiser Gimbal Housing Plate 42259 C (stamped) 42260A6 is generally the part number indicated for online parts manuals, but there is a bit of confusion that gimbal plates stamped 42259 have 4 holes for the exhaust flange, and the 42259 C have 5 holes would be applicable to the late 80's and early 90's V Engine boats that use the 4" Y pipe. Any 4 cyl MerCruiser models (120 140 470) from 1983 1990 can safely used a housing stamped 42259