72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

[CheapboatKev]

Hey guys..

My 6 hp rude tiller is somewhat difficult to turn.
Guessing it needs to be lubed.
I see one zerk fitting on the shaft..
Is that it? Any other advice?
Thanks, looking to get out today!

 

[F_R]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

If it is difficult to turn, it probably means it should have been greased many moons ago. It may be too late and you may have to take it apart and clean the corrosion out of it now.

But first make sure the co-pilot screw isn't tightened down too much. Hunker down and look etween the clamp brackets, right above the transom. That screw you see in there is it.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

Take the motor off from the boat. Look up inside the transom clamp bracket where the swivel bracket and the transom clamp connect. There should be an adjustment screw there. Back that screw out a bit until you can swivel the motor easily. Some guys like the motor to steer a little "stiff" so they can let go of the tiller momentarily while they open a "pop" can or light a smoke.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

I think he's talking about the grip on the tiller handle. If that's the case, then its likely because the metal that surrounds the bushings are corroded, therefore making the bushings squeeze hard on the tiller handle shafts. The best thing to do, when this happens, is completely disassemble the tiller handle and get rid of ANY corrosion you see. Then reassemble the tiller handle with new bushings and grease.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

Thanks all..
I was in fact referring to how stiff it is to push left or right to steer...
I bought a grease gun, but some holiday shopping intervened from lubing it or backing off the tension nut as advised.
The crack of dawn and I'll be out there checking both.
It may have been too much to ask for to go out EVERY day of my vacation this week!

 

[F_R]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

Same problem, different shaft. Corrosion around the bushings squeezes the bushing tight against the shaft. There is really only one way to get that corrosion out, if indeed that is what it is. Grease can't get in there because it is jam-up tight, no room for grease.

But hope it is just the co-pilot screw.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

Same problem, different shaft. Corrosion around the bushings squeezes the bushing tight against the shaft. There is really only one way to get that corrosion out, if indeed that is what it is. Grease can't get in there because it is jam-up tight, no room for grease.

But hope it is just the co-pilot screw.

Thanks. I hope so too.
Im an I/O guy 6 days a week...lol
let u know tomorrow.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: 72 rude 6hp zerk fittings

Did a combination of both tension screw & lube this morning.
She moves freely..

Thanks to all