Tiller throttle very difficult to turn

[country cadillac 48]

I have a 1984 4.5 hp merc and the tiller throttle just barely turns at all when I try to turn it to any of the positions on the handle. I don't find any infor if there is a way to lube it. I've had the cover off and the flywheel. There's grease on the gear out of the tiller and the verticle gear that it meshes with. When I try to turn the electrical assembly by hand it turns but not easily
....very stiff. The throttle lever on the carb turns very easily when I disconnected from the bracket on the assembly. There is very few hours on this outboard but the tiller has always been hard to turn. I've work on a bunch of small engines and large but I just don't see how to make this turn the throttle easily. Sure would appreciate any help.

 

[country cadillac 48]

Sometimes your just able to figure it out if you stay with it. I found that the stator assembly has 2 hold down plates with 2 small bolts and nuts and springs under each plate. MY stator plates were tightened all the way down. After loosening them up a little the stator would turn much easier and so the tight throttle tiller can be set where you want. At least that's how it appears to be. I'm just not sure why I couldn't find that adjustment in all my research. Appreciate every one time.