Engine swivel real stiff

[CSUGDEN]

I have a 1991 Merc 135 Outboard. I have found that the boat steering is extermely stiff. I checked the seering cable by removing the nut attaching it to the engine itself and the steering moves very easily. I also changed the grease fitting on the side of the engine and shot in some new grease but there was very little improvement.

I saw the grease squirt out from the topside of the engine mount. I s there anything else I can do to free up the swivel?

 

[pman7]

Re: Engine swivel real stiff

Try a heat gun. I had grease squirting out the bottom so I was able to also use penetrating fluid at the top. Mine loosened up and has remained loose.

Some on here suggest dissasembly and cleaning out the caked grease. Their idea is probably better but the shortcut worked, at least for now, for me.