1990 Force 120 L drive steering problem

[banjoport]

My Powerhead mounting plate steering bracket seems to be siezed to the lower unit. I have the repair manual but since the unit wont move I am looking for suggestions as to how best to tackle the problem so I can steer the boat. The engine,trim, tilt and steering cable(when released from bracket) all work well. I tried moving the steering bracket with a pry bar but it showed no inclination to move. I didn't want to put much pressure on the bar since I was unsure of what I was doing. I would love informed suggestions.:redface:

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1990 Force 120 L drive steering problem

Not to alarm you, but some rare cases like that end-up being parted out.

Will it take grease at all?
Try soaking it in blaster or marvel mystery oil, reapplying it every 24 hours. wiggle.. Carefully tap the hinge with a rubber mallet every day to try to agitate the blaster down into the hinge pin.
Finally, if that doesn't werk, CAREFULLY-applied heat followed by quenching with near-frozen WD40, Liquid Wrench, or other bolt blaster sometimes does the trick.... Of course, you run the risk of a fire, or transom damage if too much heat is applied -- and the paint job is history for sure. But it is a last resort.

 

[banjoport]

Re: 1990 Force 120 L drive steering problem

Thank you for your input. I have heard this suggestion from other sources but I must confess, I can't see where to squirt the Marvel or any other penetrating oil. If I use a long nosed squirt can to shoot on the general area is that going to get the penetrant where it needs to go?