Removing Pitman Arm Steering Stem

[Skip97]

I am replacing a 1973 65hp Johnson with a 1977 70hp Evinrude on my 16 ft Starcraft. I wanted to use the existing transom bracket steering setup presently on my Starcraft. I tried to undo the nut on the 'stem' on the Pitman arm on the Johnson thinking it is part of the screw but it did not move. I am hesitant to use a great amount of torque until I make sure this is supposed to unscrew and that it has a normal (counterclockwise to loosen) thread. Also I believe this 'stem' has a ball joint where it attaches to the steering cable. How does one remove this ball from the cable end? If I could do that I could use the 'stem' that is already attached to the 77 Evinrude. What is the spring for on the bronze looking cylinder on the end of the steering cable? Does that bronze piece unscrew from the cable end? I have two manuals and neither discusses the steering setup.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Removing Pitman Arm Steering Stem

it should unscrew ,yes counter clockwise thread,could be the threads a buggered up,you might want to get a hand torch with Mapp gas ,it hotter than propane and heat the arm,the lock mechinism should release by pushing the end cap toward the spring then pull down

 

[Skip97]

Re: Removing Pitman Arm Steering Stem-One More Question on This

Re: Removing Pitman Arm Steering Stem-One More Question on This

Prior to using a torch to try to free up the bolt I wanted to see if the spring loaded cap would slide. It does slide over exposing the top of the ball. I pushed downwards on the ball but it does not want to come out of its seat. Do I understand correctly that I should be able to release the ball by pushing down? If so would it be advisable to tap on it with a wood block and hammer to see if it would release or is there a better approach? The ball is well lubricated and rotates easily in its seat.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Removing Pitman Arm Steering Stem

yes it should drop with some lite tapping,the slide is probably just out of round from use,it shouldnt take too much,just insure the slide is back enough to release the ball

 

[Skip97]

Re: Removing Pitman Arm Steering Stem

The spring loaded slide moves easily to one side but even then the ball is securely trapped in the knuckle even with some prying. Are there any suggestions on how I can seperate the ball from the knuckle and if so how to get it back together again?

The short bolt the ball is attached to is bent slightly and I can't get the thread started in the threaded arm on the outboard while it is connected to the steering cable thus my desire to seperate it, thread it into the arm, and reinsert the ball in the knuckle at the end of the steering cable. With my old engine it steered fine even with this bend but I haven't been able to get it threaded into the new engine even though the thread gauge is the same.