89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

[timothybrewis]

I have a 1989 Yamaha 150 ETLF outboard. I was doing routine maintainence and decided to add grease. I put grease in two fittings that are underneath the motor against the outside of the transom. I also put some in two fittings on the inside of the transom on the steering assembly (I think). I thought they went to the steering and tilt. Before I started steering was good but now steering is incredibly tight. I used all purpose marine grease. The steering system is called the "no feed-back system" if that helps. Did I use too thick of grease or what? Don't understand how adding grease could make steering tighter unless grease was too thick. Any ideas how to fix???

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

did you fully retract the steering cable before greasing?<br /> if not you may have gease in the tube between the cable nut and the cable slidecreating a hydrualic lock.

 

[timothybrewis]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

No, I did not. How would I correct the hydrualic lock now?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

remove the cable to tilt tube nut, turn the helm to retract the cable, clean the excess grease from the tube end by the cable nut and reassemble.

 

[timothybrewis]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

Is there anyway you can explain that in more layman's terms? Sorry.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

the nut that holds the steering cable to the engine. normally 1 1/8th but can be 1 1/16th. remove it, turn the helm to retract the cable into the steering tube on the engine. pull on the nut end of the cable to get a bit of slack, remove any excess grease.

 

[timothybrewis]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

Thank you for your help. I will give it a try and let you know...Thanks!!!

 

[timothybrewis]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

I tried this and there was not any grease at all. Any other ideas?

 

[timothybrewis]

Re: 89 Yam 150 ETLF steering tight?????????????

Update--there was not any excess grease but I sprayed two cans of WD-40 into the steering tube. The lubricant broke up some built up grease and it seems to be working fine now...I appreciate your help