150 Merc hard steering issue question.

[gus-gus]

Steering arm corrosion causing hard steering

http://www.boats.net/images/diagrams...MON//11969.png

The #18 part is badly rusted and the steering is really hard. How tough is this piece to remove?

I was thinking of removing the rusted part sand blasting it and chroming or powder coating it.
They sell a stainless replacement but it is extremely expensive.

But removal might make it a big project. Any suggestions?

The stainless part is; 826432A 2
SWIVEL PIN ASSEMBLY, Steering Arm - Stainless Steel @ $558.83

My largest issue isn't with the motor or the steering pin, it is with an old (me) aircraft mechanic, who has a tough time leaving things like this alone.
Because in (my) history, I have seen many times where the unaddressed trouble was the cause of a more serious issue, usually far more expensive parts are busted. This time being the steering system.

Just guessing, it takes 5 pounds force to turn the wheel. I will check it with a fish scale, but it is substantial.

The trouble with cleaning the old rusted part and coating it is the machined diameter. any coating will increase that diameter. So knowing the added dimension a coating (chrome) would add would allow machining the cleaned/corroded part to lessen the pre coated dimension and allow an applied coating to fit in standard bushings.
Or, just break down and buy new.........

 

[mr 88]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Not sure what year or model you have. I would take a guess that you will have to remove the power head to get at that part.Many Mercs have a Zirk grease ftg that hits that shaft.IF yours does not is there any way that you can drill some holes through the housing,then use a tap and install the Zirk ftgs.Grease like crazy and work it.OR take it apart,install ftgs and just clean up the shaft and reuse it.I do see from the diagram that there is supposed to be at least one Zirk,does that one work or is it corroded up? If corroded buy a new one and or remove it and turn motor on side and liberally soak with marvel oil or PB blaster.

 

[Fed]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Disconnect the steering cable & pump some #95 into the #6 then push & pull the motor by hand until completely free.

Mr88, please tell me you edited your post to add more info, if not I'm losing it.

 

[mr 88]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Yes Mr.Fed I backed tracked after realizing there were ftgs in the diagram that I missed when I first looked at it.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Thanks guys for the help.
I had a shop go thru it and it worked on the spindle for far to long (read charged for too much time) to deliver it to me with the statement that corrosion is causing the steering to be a "little bit tough". If a little bit means two hands required to turn the bad boy at all. A little bit must be right before insanely tough.
I planned on doing as Fed suggests, but wondered (reason for this thread) how tough it would be to remedy permanently. I am guessing that with a good grease regimen and if I can get it to the point where my wife is able to steer the boat and where it doesn't overstress the steering system, then it should remain easy. I know, that was a super long sentence. LOL.
I will go that way first, FYI there are 2 grease zerks on the spindle and both are oozing grease. the spindle ends aren't, which tells me there is a good chance repeatedly over greasing with a thin grease might wash the corrosion out of the bushings. It's worth a shot.
Thanks guys.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Also Mr88, I don't know for sure what model I have either. The serial number has remained elusive, but the search continues.

 

[mr 88]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Is it a Tower or V-6? Any markings on the cowl like blue band or any other distinguishing colors/markings? Maybe post up a picture? The zirk ftg may be oozing grease but that does not mean it is not possibly clogged up and just spitting it back out.Either way you look at it IF you want to replace or clean up the shaft you will more than likely have to pull the power head.IF I did that i would double check the passages of the zirk holes and clean them out.You should be able to buy that part or whole unit for much less on Ebay or check out some other sites.I know a shop in NY and in the state of Washington that specializes in Towers if that's what you have.You can always pm me or any other guy responding and they will probably be glad to give you contacts.Don't have any V-6 contacts.
I am going to go through the same thing with a 1978 140 Tower that I am rebuilding,[Power head is off]changing it to a short shaft and putting in high dome pistons among other things.Next weekend I will be "working'' that same stubborn steering shaft.Shop I am doing it in is 1 hour away and it is a every other Saturday thing.So I cannot just go out to the garage and give you a blow by blow description or tell you what my guru mentor has up his sleeve if it does not free up.[Short of buying another one off him.]

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Is it a Tower or V-6? It's a V6 Any markings on the cowl like blue band or any other distinguishing colors/markings? Maybe post up a picture? I will post a picture when I have time. Work is impeding on my motor time The zirk ftg may be oozing grease but that does not mean it is not possibly clogged up and just spitting it back out.Either way you look at it IF you want to replace or clean up the shaft you will more than likely have to pull the power head.IF I did that i would double check the passages of the zirk holes and clean them out. You might be right on, But the oozing is a back pressure ooze. You should be able to buy that part or whole unit for much less on Ebay or check out some other sites.Great Idea! I know a shop in NY and in the state of Washington Being in Washington might be helpful,,,LOL! that specializes in Towers if that's what you have.You can always pm me or any other guy responding and they will probably be glad to give you contacts.I would love any contacts which will make my life easier. Thanks. Don't have any V-6 contacts.
I am going to go through the same thing with a 1978 140 Tower that I am rebuilding,[Power head is off]changing it to a short shaft and putting in high dome pistons among other things. WOW Next weekend I will be "working'' that same stubborn steering shaft.Shop I am doing it in is 1 hour away and it is a every other Saturday thing.So I cannot just go out to the garage and give you a blow by blow description or tell you what my guru mentor has up his sleeve if it does not free up.[Short of buying another one off him.]It is awesome the input you have already added. Thank you so very much. I think it is worth an extreme lube and wear to fit operation (try).

Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Gus, My '93 135HPV6 has exactly the same issue, as did my '73 850. The upper or lower bushings get dirty and corroded, causing the steering difficulty. The real cure is to remove the gearcase and powerhead and then hopefully enough non rusted-solid parts on the midsection to remove the swivel shaft. Now clean it up and clean and grease the bushings.

There is a shortcut that will work for a while, or maybe cure it. Figure out what bushing is not getting grease. If it is the upper bushing (usually), try to figure out a way to lift the motor up on the swivel shaft to open up the bushing. I have put bocks under the motor (in the verticle position) and then jacked the trailer tongue to lift the motor a bit. I have also tilted the motor all the way and wrapped a rope around the gearcase. Tightening the rope like a touniquet lifts the motor a bit as well. Now pump up the zerc with fresh grease and work the steering.

 

[mr 88]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Did a quick look on ebay punched in Mercury swivel bracket in the search icon and got like 18 pages.Seemed like 125-250 was the going price.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

You guys are great. Thanks.
I will give it a try this week and see if I can make it work better. I will update what I find and how it comes out. But being a new boat owner and since my boat won't fit in my garage, I am in the process of buying and constructing an enclosure. The motor will just have to wait for now.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Well, well, well, I had completely forgotten about this thread.
I will update it for those interested.
The steering was not going to loosen up, with a fish scale the pull was 12 lbs! It remained 12 lbs no matter what I did. So I bought a replacement steering arm and swivel bracket off of craigslist for $100. Then I began the swivelectomy and was greeted with loads of corrosion, busted off bolts and a super stuck power head. I have since completed the broken bolt removals from the driveshaft housing and exhaust adapter, but the cut studs in the power head still will need removal. I had to cut them to remove the powerhead. The replacement steering arm is magnetic, so I guess it isn't stainless. But not knowing the metallurgy of the replacement arms it still could be a 400 series stainless steel product. So far with all the parts orders and other associated bills the swivel and steering arm change has totaled a whopping $750 !!! Thats with me doing all the work and finding some great deals. it is still completely apart and waiting for parts to arrive. Here are some pics.

It begins

Corroded bolts broke off and the mounts were trashed.

Lots of rust there!

Hacksawed studs. the long studs just wouldn't move.

Success! If you want to call it that.

The bobbing head awaits TLC.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Well, If looks you had some (no so much) fun with that. What did the original swicel shaft look like? Could you have cleaned it up and reused it?

I will be doing the same repair, likely this off season. I was able to work a little grease into the swivel busings, so my steering is tolerable. I alos have not tried any heat, which has potential to help a lot.

 

[gus-gus]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Well, If looks you had some (no so much) fun with that. What did the original swicel shaft look like? Could you have cleaned it up and reused it?

I will be doing the same repair, likely this off season. I was able to work a little grease into the swivel busings, so my steering is tolerable. I alos have not tried any heat, which has potential to help a lot.

Chris, the swivelectomy isn't all that hard for a mechanic who does this sort of stuff regularly. I do however believe it is a disaster for anyone with short tempers or a limited tool supply. I have a master mechanic tool set and it took both metric and standard wrenches, reverse or backwards drills, easy outs, cutting torch, engine hoist and lifting ring. Plus tray upon tray of crud hauled out for the next mondays return to the tool box.
I am so glad I did it (doing it). But I am far to anal and unable to sleep nights when troubles like this are placed in front of me.
The old pin......is it usable...... could it be cleaned up....... these are questions for someone who would do that. I see no way for me to do that. Putting the old part back on is not something I could ever do, it would cause me a nervous tic or cause me to build a tower and start carrying all of my sniper rifles to the top. It is the ugliest thing I have ever looked at on a boat, so it needs to be dumpsterized.
I did learn some valuable tricks. One is heat, however heat has zero value without a new (I repeat NEW) vise grip with fresh teeth, but only after I prepped each broken bolt with a square end so the vise grip will grab it well. Carefully tighten (as tight as a library marm or old school teacher, usually a bespectacled virgin. somewhat old and stingy. fond of floral print granny panties, but I digress) the grips so they are as tight as you can get them. Remove them before heat is applied. Reconnecting the grips cool the bolt, helping bust the bond of corrosion.
Now I own a lift (cherry picker) and a lifting ring, which I was planning on avoiding. So it ain't all bad.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 150 Merc hard steering issue question.

Gus-gus, Your digressions are a bit troubling, as are your violent tendancies. I do however respect your mechanical abilities. I once had to grease the swivel bushings on an old tower. It was all I could do to work around the corroded bolts and stuck fasteners to get the swivel shaft out.

Thanks for the counsel and answers....