adding grease fitting?

[bmorris11]

Hey all,
I've got a problem with my engine, i have tight steering that I've narrowed down to the actual vertical pivot on the engine. My steering cable is fine, the tilt tube is fine, its the actual pivot on the motor.

I have greased the only zerk fitting for the pivot, but it is located near the bottom, so the grease doesn't get up to the top before oozing out the bottom.

Can I drill into the casing (middle section of the motor) and install a grease fitting up near the top of the pivot?

Just looking for advice, trying to avoid removing the powerhead and lower unit, to replace everything.

Thanks,

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: adding grease fitting?

what you have is dried dirty grease in there you might try heating it a little, moving the motor back and forth, and try forcing it out.

 

[bmorris11]

Re: adding grease fitting?

Yeah, we've tried penetrating oil, and some heat...
Its not completely stuck, its usable, but not perfect...

I just thought if we could get grease up to the top, we might be able to force the old grease out...

The zerk fitting idea is no good?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: adding grease fitting?

Where there's movement there's hope. Keep working it in both directions and add a lot of penetrating fluid that will eventually dissipate all the old and hardened grease. You will get there with plenty of work at it. After that keep it well greased and give it a couple of pumps on a regular basis.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: adding grease fitting?

agreed. if it does not work, the ultimate solution is to disassemble and clean, the keep up maintenance.

 

[bmorris11]

Re: adding grease fitting?

Ok thanks guys... Drilling a new grease fitting was my father in laws best idea, I just need some good reasons not too.

The boat is very usable, just a little tight, and I've been researching it on here for a little bit.

I'll push for continuing with the oil, and grease. Its still in the drive way, but will likely get put in her slip for the season in the next two weeks... I'll keep a grease gun on board.

Thanks guys!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: adding grease fitting?

Ok thanks guys... Drilling a new grease fitting was my father in laws best idea, I just need some good reasons not too.

The boat is very usable, just a little tight, and I've been researching it on here for a little bit.

I'll push for continuing with the oil, and grease. Its still in the drive way, but will likely get put in her slip for the season in the next two weeks... I'll keep a grease gun on board.

Thanks guys!

I would be working it like crazy on the driveway with the penetrating fluid before you hit the slip.

 

[bmorris11]

Re: adding grease fitting?

will do, its actually better than it was last season, like I mentioned, its definitely usable, just not quite 1-finger steering....

I'll get out there tomorrow night again.

Just spray the oil around the upper washer and seal right? Working back and forth?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: adding grease fitting?

If you tilt the motor all the way up, and use a rope to force the motor to ride up on the swivel shaft, the top bushing will have more clearance for grease to emerge.

I tie the rope tourniquet style, so I can make it real tight.

 

[bmorris11]

Re: adding grease fitting?

thanks, we will try the rope trick, We tried using a jack to push upwards on the skeg to try to take some of the pressure off of the bushing area on top.

What brand of cutting/penetrating oil does everyone suggest? Any other solvents good at breaking through grease and sludge?