sticky steering problem

[bruce728]

I have cleaned the tube on my 70 hp teleflex. When teleflex is unattached, engin is still very tight. I have been told to heat the area below the power head and remove the grease fitting. I have done this with no luck. I did not heat it for a very long time. Any suggestions???

 

[wilde1j]

Re: sticky steering problem

Leave the fitting(s) in place. Heat using a propane torch with a flame spreader and get it pretty hot, then try to get grease in through the fitting(s). There are probably plastic bushings inside, so don't get too carried away with the heat.

 

[boobie]

Re: sticky steering problem

You may also want to try a mapp gas torch as it gets hotter than propane. If this mtr has been in salt water, corrosion usually builds up Behind the bushings and causes them to swell up. Try heat, lots of grease and PB Blaster before tearing anything appart.

 

[bruce728]

Re: sticky steering problem

Ok, thank you guys. Yes, I use it in salt water all the time.
I will go at it with the heat tomorrow, but what is a flame spreader (sounds obvious!). I just have one of those little propane tanks with the torch valve.

bobbie, you said to hit it with PB Blaster. Is that a brand name? I have used some other products. When I use the Blaster where do I spray it, at the top and bottom openings?

Also, should I shoot new grease in the fitting?

Thanks again.

 

[boobie]

Re: sticky steering problem

PB Blaster is a penatrating oil and comes in a spray can and you can get at any parts house. Spray the area on top and bottom of the pivot shaft. Also use plenty of marine grade grease.

 

[F_R]

Re: sticky steering problem

Go ahead and try all the above, but it probably won't fix it. Unless you get it hot enough to melt the plastic bushings. That'll free it up, but....

In all likelyhood, salt water has caused a corrosion build-up between the aluminum and plastic. Nothing gets that out except a scraper.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: sticky steering problem

Go ahead and try all the above, but it probably won't fix it. Unless you get it hot enough to melt the plastic bushings. That'll free it up, but....

In all likelyhood, salt water has caused a corrosion build-up between the aluminum and plastic. Nothing gets that out except a scraper.

Have to agree with this one !!! Hard to get salt corrosion cleared out without something abrasive.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: sticky steering problem

I am dealing with the same situation, only mine went from not moving at all to being able to move although to stiff

 

[bruce728]

Re: sticky steering problem

ok, I am going to go out and mess with it. Got the blaster...

If the heat and the blaster does not work and it needs to be manually cleaned like FR says, is this a difficult procedure. I would consider myself able to do the basics like changing a water pump. Do you suggest I see a mechanic?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Fed]

Re: sticky steering problem

Do you have grease coming out from both the top & bottom of the shaft?

I had a problem with an old 65hp Merc where the grease nipple was about a third of the way down, tons of grease was coming out of the bottom of the shaft but none out of the top.

I ended up binding the bottom with cloth & wire to force the grease upwards, using penetrating oil in my grease gun, plenty of pulling the motor side to side by hand until I got grease to come out of the top.

It was a struggle but far easier than pulling it apart, if you can move it at all you're halfway there.

 

[F_R]

Re: sticky steering problem

ok, I am going to go out and mess with it. Got the blaster...

If the heat and the blaster does not work and it needs to be manually cleaned like FR says, is this a difficult procedure. I would consider myself able to do the basics like changing a water pump. Do you suggest I see a mechanic?

Thanks again everyone!

I don't think you told us what year the motor is, but it is much more difficult than a water pump job. Generically speaking, the powerhead and lower unit have to come off, then the midsection comes out of the motor mounts, then remove the nut off the bottom of the pivot shaft and pull the pivot shaft up and out. NOW you are ready to attack those bushings. Not a job for the faint of heart, and not cheap for the pro--he is worth his pay though.

Expect a lot of fun with siezed bolts in that salt water motor.

 

[boobie]

Re: sticky steering problem

I guess I should have told the OP to start with to take it to a dlr. Would have saved a lot of finger work.