Frozen Pilot Rod

[Deb]

I have a 2000..75hp Mercury Pro.The steering was a problem and have since done the process of elimination,thanks to the replies that I have recieved.It appears that the Pilot Rod is stuck,frozen either due to salt water residue or corrosion.How do I free the pilot rod up?<br /> Thanks<br /> Deb

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Please describe what you call the "pilot rod". I think you are talking about the end of the steering cable that sticks out of the port side of the motor. <br /><br />Is the motor disconnected from the cable?<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Deb]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Yes Dhadley,that is what I am referring to, the metal rod that sticks out.I do have it disconnected from the cable.Thanks...Deb

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Good. If the motor is now free the binding is in the cable or in that (tilt) tube the steering runs through.<br /><br />Remove the steering cable nut on the starboard side and turn the wheel. If the cable moves but the rod doesnt then the rod is stuck in the tilt tube. Carefully tap the rod back through the tube. If the cable still doesnt move then the cable is bad and must be replaced. Not a big project at all.<br /><br />Let me know what happens and we'll go from there.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[dymo]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Dhadley, is right on the money. When you get it freed up, clean the rod and tube completely, lube them well and you should be alright. There should be a place where the rod can be lubed on a regular basis so you don't have this problem in future.<br /><br />Dymo

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Lets put some cautions in this post. First, be careful not to mushroom the end of the cable when beating it back out of the steering tube. I first place a 3/8 bolt in the hole to keep the hole from deforming. I use a block of brass against the cable end and hit the brass with the BFH. Once the cable is flush with the tube, I use a rod to knock it on thru. Use a steering tube brush to clean the corrosion in the tube and sandpaper on the steering cable.

 

[KCSmith0708]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

One last thing. When you get it back together be sure to turn the steering wheel in a direction to fully retract the rod back into the tilt tube BEFORE injecting lube into the grease fitting (nipple). <br /><br />Otherwise, if the rod is extended out of the tube you might end up inject too much lube in behind the the rod wich may cause a Hydrolic lock, making it difficulty to turn the steering wheel and engine in the opposite direction. Good luck.<br /><br />Regards, KC

 

[S.T. Marine]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Heres my neat tool used to clean out the steering tube every year. At the begining and end of the year. All it is, is a 15" rod threaded like a bolt with a series of nuts on it maybe 20 of them all tightened together. I then grinded down the end and made it round again and attach it to a cordless drill. Then you just ream the whole out and watch the salt and rust come out. Works great every time. Send me 35$ and ill make you one!!! Tool is copywritted Good luck all

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Frozen Pilot Rod

Deb, there is a lot of good advise here but I know its jumping around a lot and can be confusing. I was trying to take you through the process one step at a time. Just take your time and it will be a fun project. Please feel free to e-mail me at any time. dhadley50@aol.com.<br /><br />Good luck!