Recent Feedback
I purchased a Tracker Targa 18ft. boat that sat outside 1 year and now the steering is hard and stiff to turn what can I do?
Optional Information: Make (of engine): Mercury Marine Year: 2001 Horsepower: 125 Already Tried: I greased all points on the engine and steering arms. I even unhooked the engine and it still is hard and stiff to turn.
Hi my name isXXXXX will assist you.
The engine is hard to turn when the steering drag link is disconnected correct?
No the engine turns free and easy when it is diconnected.
The steering cable is dragging in the tilt tube # XXXXX from rust and old grease. Remove the steering cable from the engine clean the tilt tube and cable apply a water proof grease and reassemble. Now depending on the boat you may have to remove the engine from the boat to get the steering cable out of the engine. This or replacing the cable are the only fix. Any other fix will only be temporary the steering will get stiff or seize up completely.
I have lubed this tilt tube and it travels freely. To replace the steering cable is that going to be difficult to get it unhooked from the steering wheel assembly?
The only place the steering can be stiff is in the tilt tube. Grease will not free up the old dried grease and rust in the tilt tube. As for disconnecting the steering at the helm it is only connected by a large nut, hex bolts or a pull pin. Where the cable connects to the helm is where these fasteners are located. As I said depending on the splash well clearance you might have to remove the engine to get the cable out of the motor. This will be the hardest par of the replacement of the cable.
Experience: 35 yrs. experience. I/O, Outboard & Inboard, Complete engine repairs.Certified Technician