Re: 1968 merc
I'm thinkin' that steering linkage wouldn't be an issue on a Merc "60" 6 hp.
It does sounds like he's talking about the steering yoke "swivel", not the transom bracket "tilt".
Most likely the swivel has a lot of corrosion products binding it up.
You could try mounting the motor firmly on a stout board (4X6 or larger) or the back of a boat. Apply heat from a propane torch (or MAPP gas, which will work better) to both sides of the swivel and hopefully it'll start to move a bit when you 'reef' on the motor. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher handy!
You may have to heat the swivel hot enough to start smoking and burning paint; just make sure you're not burning up anything else on the motor or the surface it's mounted to!
Note use caution not to break the tiller handle/mounts when you're doing this, you may have to pull pretty hard to get the swivel broken loose.
Once you've got it moving, using a grease gun pump grease into the swivel's grease fitting. Then heat some more. Continue the heating, greasing cycle until it starts to work freely.
If you can't get it free you may have to pull the powerhead/lower unit and dismantle the swivel. Lotsa fun there and you might be better off finding a better center section!
Last ditch (before you toss the motor), drill a few holes from the aluminum swivel into the steel pivot tube. Don't drill thru the tube, just far enough to hit the surface of the tube. Then apply PB Blaster, Kroil, or equivalent penetrating oil and hopefully that'll work in there to help free up the swivel. When finished, degrease the area around the hole and apply a sealer such as black RTV over the area, to keep water out. It won't look pretty but your motor will turn left and right!
Sometimes, you'll just heat the swivel a bit; all the old, caked grease will soften up, and she'll move right away. Other times it'll fight you to the bitter end.
Give it a shot and let us know what happens.
HTH.........ed
