steering stiffness with '76 mercury 50hp

[anthonyc]

Having issues with the steering on my boat. I have narrowed it down to the engine, as I disconnected the steering to check. Steering assembly was fine, but tried to turn motor by hand with steering disconnected and it just about takes 2 people to move it.<br /><br />I have sprayed just about every moving part with CRC, and re-packed the assembly with grease (via the grease nipple). <br /><br />Out of ideas and out of my depth.<br /><br />Any suggestions?<br /><br />Anthony

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: steering stiffness with '76 mercury 50hp

More than likely, the swivel pin is rusted and binding up the steering.<br /><br />Before you tear into it, try this - make sure all fuel sources are run dry/wiped up, etc. and use a small propane torch to heat up the swivel pin area of the clamp saddle. It might loosen up some old dried out grease enough to allow the motor to turn freely. If that doesn't help, you'll have to disassemble it to clean it up...<br />- Scott