Stiff Steering

[jonesy007]

Hi all I have a 30HP Tohatsu which I have now replaced for my new boat with a 50HP Merc. The Tohatsu still runs great but the steering is getting very stiff. It is a tiler steer, I was thinking maybe the grease inside is going hard.

Can someone please tell me how I would losen it up and get the grease back out. So I can get some fresh new stuff back in there. I was thinking maybe some heat and melt it but not sure if this is the best option.

I was going to keep this motor as a spare or if someone was hard up for a motor down the track let them have it. But i dont want to pass on this problem with it.

Cheers
Jonesy

[seamonkey]

Yep - most likely old grease and crud seizing the swivel pin. It really needs striping down but usually means the head has to come off. Cheap way - as you suggest gently warm the area and pump fresh grease in via the nipple until its coming out top and bottom. If it only comes out the top because there is only one nipple try sealing the area off with a rag and big cable tie - sort of works.

All that said for long life get it stripped down and properly cleaned.

Smky