1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

[JPK]

I've got this Merc running again but I can't seem to get the motor to turn. Like to make the boat go in a different direction. It's got plenty of grease but I can't get it to move right or left. Can't find anything in the maintenance manual either. HELP!!!

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

Sounds like you need to replace your steering.<br /><br />TMD

 

[marinegrh]

Re: 1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

disconnect the cable from the engine, does the engine turn, if so cable/helm time, if not, pivot tube time

 

[JB]

Re: 1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

Moving to Merc Troubles.

 

[JPK]

Re: 1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

Ok, my first post wasn't well thought out. I have no steering hooked up to the motor yet. I am just trying to get it to pivot left and right before I hooked up the steering. I can't get it to budge. This thing is labeled an 800 with a serial number that starts out with 3058... I don't know jack about motors so any help you guys can provide would be very much appreciated.<br /><br />THANK YOU!!!!

 

[marinegrh]

Re: 1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

ok, have a torch handy, your gonna need it, you engine sits on a pivot tube, has a cylindrical shape, inside that is another shaft, they sound like they are stuck, heat up the tubes and get some non flamable spray into the area, and grease, your gonna have to put some back into it and then start turning it side, should loosen up

 

[Gilbert A.]

Re: 1978 80 HP Merc - Trim

JPK: Marinegrh gave you very good advice. To that I would add--from personal experience and based on advice given to me by a competent fleet mechanic--, after freeing up that column and shaft, squirt some automatic transmission fluid into the top where the seal is located. This has been working for my twin 150s. (Of course, if your grease fitting is accepting lubricant to the point of letting out the excess at the appropriate places, this measure might not be necessary. <br /><br />Good Luck!<br /><br />Gil