'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

[ShawnQ]

Ok, I just picked up the 90hp nissan I was talking about, and it has a frozen tilt tube. (btw, I was aware of this before purchasing).<br /><br />The price was cheap enough to not worry about it, so I went ahead and bought it anyways.<br /><br />Now, will it be easier to 'un-freeze' the tilt tube while the engine is not installed on a boat? Or would I be better off installing the engine and then removing the locked up tube?<br /><br />I think if i try it uninstalled, all the pressure I have to put onto removing the frozen tube may make it hard to keep the engine stable, so it may be easier to go ahead and mount the engine. This will act as a 'stand' to hold the engine steady while I try to bang, torch, hammer, etc...<br /><br />Thanks for any advice.<br /><br />Shawn

 

[ICEMAN]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Hi, I am a bit confused, so I will ask beforeI offer info. Is the steering ram frozen in the tilt tube? or is the tilt tube frozen in the transom brackets and the motor doesn't tilt. Does the bracket swivel easy or is the steering swivel frozen where it pivots on the motor. As far as replacing the ram going thru the tilt tube, it depends on what your want to do. If cost is a factor, if you don't have the main hydraulic components, (cylinder and helm unit) It may be less costly to replace the system to a manual steering system. Including replacing the tilt tube.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

here is an example I made of the piece that is 'frozen' on my engine.<br /><br />It is a horizontal cylinder, that has to do with steering. I've heard it referred to as the 'tilt tube', but I assume it could be something else (I dont understand why it would be called the tilt tube if it is used for steering, unless it is where the engine pivots when tilted, not sure!).<br /><br />

<br /><br />However, I assume the 'steering ram' is the correct name for the part that is 'frozen' on my engine. <br /><br />All I have to do is drive it out without damaging it, clean it, clean the cylinder it goes in, lube it all up really good, and re-install it, right? Or do I have to buy new parts?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Here is a picture of the problem area:<br /><br />

<br /><br />There are two small bolts on each end, and then one LARGE bolt on top of the 'ram'. What do I need to do to remove the ram, and 'un-freeze' it?<br /><br />Any help on this? <br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

TTT<br /><br />looking for recommendations..<br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[45_red]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

The grease zerks are for the tilt arm bushings, the 4 small cap screws are dummies. You have Hydraulic steering?

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

No, the guy who previously owned the motor had hydraulic steering. He kept the helm pump and lines on his boat (he repowered, and I bought the old engine).<br /><br />Well, since he went hydraulic, the factory tube froze up. I am trying to go back to factory steering, and lose the hydraulic. However, I may have found a cheap helm pump, so I may be able to use the hydraulic...not sure yet. (I wonder how expensive it is to get hydraulic lines made?)<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

ttt

 

[45_red]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

I couldn't see in your picture, is there an old shaft stuck inside the steering tube? NAPA might be able to line you out with hydraulics,or direct you to a local shop that can make them up.Good luck.

 

[blazed4x4]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Hydraulic hoses can be bought for around 90 bucks, i would go to teleflex's web site to find out more info.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Yes, there is a rod stuck in the tube.<br /><br />Now, here's the question.<br /><br />Would I be better off buying a new hyrdaulic helm and hydraulic hoses, or just replacing the rod/ram that is stuck in the tilt tube?<br /><br />Which way would be easier, and more cost effective? (Or, which would YOU do?)<br /><br />If you chose to remove the rod and get a new one, give me some ideas on a good way to get it out<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[Hooty]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

The single cable, rack steering will handle your 90hp. without problems so freeing up the shaft would be the least expensive, logical way to go. Plus, the boat you're installing it on is probably already set up with single cable steering.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Ok, I'll go that route..<br /><br />Now, what's the trick to free'ing it up? Any tricks of the trade?<br /><br />I've got a torch, a B.F.H.(Big Freakin Hammer), etc...what else should I need?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Others here may know but see if you can get an exploded diagram of the sleeve to make sure there aren't any heat sensitive (plastic) components in there. These things often freeze up due to inadequate lube and sitting still over time (or just the winter) mine froze up after only a couple of months of inactivity but I was able to unfreeze it at the ramp by tapping with a hammer on the end of the steering rod (which would be way easier with the motor off of the boat). See if you can inject some lubricant or penetrating oil into the sleeve and spray some on the end of the rod and start tapping, it may free up. Patience is a virtue with stuck parts. May the Force be with you.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

After going to a boat dealer, and nissan tech store today...I am wondering if this 'tilt tube' even has anything to do with the steering?<br /><br />In the pictures I posted...does the are boxed in red even have anything to do with the steering? Or is that just a pivot point for the engine to tilt on?<br /><br />I dont think the steering is messed up at all. I can turn the transom plate freely while the motor stays still, telling me the engine would turn. Now, from the way it looks, the 'tilt tube' does nothing for the steering, it just lets the engine 'tilt', hence the name.. <br /><br />I'm confused...the guy I bought the engine from said I need to torch or bang the rod out of the 'tilt tube' so that it would steer...it appears that it has nothing to do with steering. But, if that rod is frozen, than I will need to get it moving again so the engine will tilt.<br /><br />Thanks for any help<br />Shawn

 

[ob]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Shawn ,The fact that you can turn the engine on its swivel bushings has nothing to do with the steering tube that actuates this movement with the steering cable.If the steering cable is corroded and froze the entire length of the tube i.d. it will be very difficult to get it to break free even with heat.I make this statement based on the visual appearance of the tube in question that you posted a picture of.The delimma involved in applying heat and beating the steering rod from the tube is that it is likely to mushroom the end that you are beating on and not allow it to pass through the tube.You may have to cut tube and rod assy in place at several locations to remove.You will first have to remove any lock bolts that hold this tube in place.If they too are frozen you will need to try heating and then let cool in an attempt to remove or they will need to be drilled out.<br /><br />This component is refered to as a tilt tube because it spans the two bushings that your engine tilts on.It by itself does not provide the means by which your motor tilts ,but rather serves as the conduit for the steering rod.

 

[45_red]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

The tube has two functions at least; the outer surface supports the tilt arms, the inside supports the steering cable of a mechanical cable steering system. As several posts have said, penetrating oil and heat will probably allow you to tap the old cable end out, clean up the inside of the tube and install a new cable.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Ditto on OB's comment. If the steering cable shaft is sticking out of the tube some you can quickly tell if it is going to move or start mushrooming. If it starts to move with tapping and oil and mushrooms a little in the process you can cut off the mushroomed end with a hacksaw or rotary cutting wheel after it starts moving in order to get it to pass through the tube. If it is already flush with the tube end it probably won't go through the tube. It doesn't look like you have anything to lose by oiling it and wailing away at it to see if it moves.<br /><br />I have often wondered if, on an isolated part like this (as opposed to an internal engine casting) one could drip (with gloves and eye protection) some muriatic acid into the tube at the crack and see if it would seep in and dissove the corrosion. Aluminum oxides and carbonate are soluble in acid (more so than the aluminum itself). Small quantities (drops) probably wouldn't hurt the casting and might loosen it up. Has anybody tried this? I have no experience with this so don't blame me if it doesn't work.

 

[Hooty]

Re: 'Frozen' Tilt Tube, 1995 Nissan 90hp

Wire brush the threads outside the nut, use a good penetrating oil (Kroil, PB Blaster, etc.)on threads. Remove Zerk fitings and use a liberal amount of penetrating in those holes. Let the thing set for a few days, re-applying penetrating oil whenever. After a few days, try removing the nut. If ya can get the nut off, use another nut with the same threads and jam them together on the shaft and try turning the shaft. Some sort of impact wrench will work the best. If you can get it to turn, pull and work it out. Next-to-the-last-resort is h&h (heat & hammer). The last resort is cut!<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty