Steering link/arm bind question.

[pman7]

I've got a 71 Merc 500 that I just modified to tilt tube steering controls. I also have a Merc steering link/bar.

Is it normal for the steering bar to bind against the cowling on extreme turns when the motor turns away from the side that links the cable to the steering arm on the motor?

My system works great on right turns but at on extreme left turns the extremity of turn is limited by the steering arm binding against the cowling rather than the actual limit of the motor's turning ability.

Couldn't this bind be eliminated by a sideways bend or combo bend in the steering bar? I don't think I've seen steering bars with sideways bends. The Mercury bars have a vertical combo bend but I haven't seen one with a sideways bend. Are these combo bends available? Would it be feasable to bend my current steering bar? Or should I leave well enough alone and live with the bind?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Steering link/arm bind question.

I believe the link that came with that motor would've had a kink in the link as you describe.

 

[pman7]

Re: Steering link/arm bind question.

Thanks Willy. The kink worked. Mine works like a charm now.

I also had to make a steering link/bar that was an inch longer than the normal Merc bars. The bars I could find had an eyelet to the downward pointing bolt axis measurement of 10.75". In order to get my 71 Merc to turn to it's extreme limits in both directions I had to change by bar measurement to 11.75.

I suppose my motor possibly swivels a bit further than the average motor. I can't think of another reason I would need a longer link arm than the averarge bear, I mean bar.