87 35 Mercury steering stiff

[Ronygolf]

Took my boat( engine) in for service and was told they would have to disassemble the engine to correct steering issue.way to much money,more then the engine is worth,they advised against it.so now I have a good running engine with stiff steering.Any way to try something on my own to smooth out the steering.the problem is not the cables but inside the engine.Cant believe the engine has to be taken apart but this place is very reputable.thanx

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... What exactly is the problem,..??

I doubt it's the engine, more likely the swivel tube is rusted/ corroded, or the tilt tube is corroded,.....

While both are part of the outboard motor, it ain't really part of the powerhead/ engine,....

If it's the tilt tube, pull the cable out of it,. clean it, grease it, 'n put it back together,.....

If it's the swivel tube, there oughta be grease fittin's on it,....
Grease the 'ell outa 'em, 'n keep workin' the motor back, 'n forth, til it loosens up,....

 

[MH Hawker]

yea what he said