Out drive

[blueagletalon]

we got our boat last saterday. we have been cleaning it up and i tuned up the motor. we took it out for the first time today. it runs great for a merc 165. well we got it opened up and noticed that the steering is kinda hard. so we got looking at it out of the water to find some marks on the out drive. i need help on trying to fix it. here are some pics . please help me. plus is there suppost to have any move ment in the steering like sloppy steering

 

[Tubingluvr]

Re: Out drive

I don't see anything out of the ordinary in the pics, check your steering cable.
Is it hard to steer when in the driveway or just at high speed?
Does the boat have power steering or not?

 

[Zeeter]

Re: Out drive

Hard to turn more in one direction than the other? if so adjust your trim tab. That thingy hanging down above and behind the prop. Turn the rear of the tab in the direction of the pull.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Out drive

Those are normal wear marks from trimming under power. And those pieces are cast for that purpose.

But you can also check to see if the fiber washers are still there on the trunnions between the gimbal ring and the bell housing. If these are gone replacing them hill help your tilt and trimming under power.

But Steering problems, as said above, are not related to that.

Some of the older helms were adjustable for slop. But you can also check to see if yours is loose. And take it apart and put some grease there.

Also if helm is on starboard turn the wheel to full staboard look in the back where the cable attaches to the tiller arm in the stern. Clean the slide here and put some marine grease on it. Some have a grease zerk if so turn to port and have some one turn slowly to starboard (Out) as you add grease.

Just don't get too much up in the cable housing.

 

[blueagletalon]

Re: Out drive

ok i will look at the steering. the only thing that makes me wonder is that the ware marks are only on the right side. and its only hare to turn to the right when at full power. i was also wondering what should the rpms be at full power. mine runs at 4000.

 

[blueagletalon]

Re: Out drive

ok i will look at the steering. the only thing that makes me wonder is that the ware marks are only on the right side. and its only hare to turn to the right when at full power. i was also wondering what should the rpms be at full power. mine runs at 4000.

anyone out there that can help me

 

[flargin]

Re: Out drive

I don't know if your style outdrive has the same problem as the bravo's, but sometimes the steering pin can wear our the top of the gimbal ring. that will cause slop side to side in steering... no there should not be slop.

If you have hard steering and slop, you may have some other problems however.

RPM's... I don't know your motor, but likely over 4000 at WOT, my BBC is 45-4800 per the owners manual. You might want to ask that as a different thread, with a WOT heading also, might want to add a little more info, like year, etc.

You may also want to see if your motor has an avaiable PDF of the Service manual... check the adults only section.. it will also tell you the WOT.

 

[rbh]

Re: Out drive

hows your power steering fluid, right up on the hot line or not even on the stick?
is the belt that runs the power steering pump tight or loose?
its not slipping?
when you turn the wheel does it jerk momentarly?
rob

 

[blueagletalon]

Re: Out drive

we have come to the conclusion that the gimble bearning and the stering pin are the problem. so im going to tear is down this week to do it. i just need to know what all i should replace while im in there?

i do not have power steering on my boat. i have a cable.

 

[rockyman]

Re: Out drive

if you have a merc 165 L6 motor with a merc 165 outdrive your wot rpns should be around 4300 to 4600 , because i have the same notor and outdrive.

 

[blueagletalon]

Re: Out drive

i have the mercruiser 165 with the 3.7 liter motor.