Need help w/ Evinrude 40 HP stuck steering linkage.

[Truefire]

Hey guys, i have a 40 hp outboard Evinrude and the steering push rod has become seized. I had never had any issues prior but apparently the weather has simply worked on it. The steering cable is attached to the steering push rod that moves through the hinge sleeve of the motor itself, those of you that are familiar with Evinrude you know what i am speaking of.

I cannot for the life of me seem to get that steering rod that protrudes, to move. It simply will not move after multiple attempts; I have sprayed PB Blaster, taps from a ball peen hammer as well as twisting, all to no avail. I simply do not have the capabilities to remove the entire motor allowing me to remove this hinge sleeve through which this rod slides through. That might be my only option is to locate a motor cherry picker to hold motor while removing the sleeve to clean the sleeve of rust.

Did not know if any of you vets might have a resolve, i would greatly appreciate it if you would chime in.

Thanks,Chris

 

[boobie]

Re: Need help w/ Evinrude 40 HP stuck steering linkage.

Have you got the steering link disconnected from the mtr to make sure the mtr is not froze up ??

 

[Truefire]

Re: Need help w/ Evinrude 40 HP stuck steering linkage.

Yeah the motor is free, its just the portion of the rod that is connected to the steering cable which runs through the motor's hinge sleeve that will not move at all. I really do not understand how it could seize up so tight in such short order. It does not appear to be rusty or over oxidized in any capacity. As a matter of fact the rod appears to be Stainless Steel.

Not sure what is going on right now, inside that hollow hinge sleeve.

The motor is kept under a shelter and never rained upon, very little.

As I was typing just now I just thought about what may have created this issue...i do not know why for the life of me, I had not thought of this prior to now. About a year ago, now i had my boat out in my back yard sitting up on blocks and had been working on some fiberglass work and repaint. Well, here in eastern NC, Hurricane Isabel came through here with some sustained winds of 70-80mph+, well it knocked my tarp covered boat off of the blocks and the motor prop was driven into the ground just a tad.

I assessed for damage and there was no noticeable damage wrought upon the time that was visible at least. Well, now some 14-16 months later, i discover this with the motor. I am willing to bet that hinge sleeve has been bent, looks like somehow I am going to have to remove the motor from the transom and replace that sleeve altogether.

LORD hand mercy! Something all the time...more work. i already do not have enough time for many other projects...lol

Chris

 

[Daviet]

Re: Need help w/ Evinrude 40 HP stuck steering linkage.

Sometimes a little heat on the pivot tube helps. As boobie suggested, disconnect the steering from the engine and make sure the engine is not siezed up.

 

[boobie]

Re: Need help w/ Evinrude 40 HP stuck steering linkage.

Put a bolt in the end of the steering cable , so the hole doesn't mushroom, have somebody on the boat putting pressure on the steering wheel in the right direction, put a vice grip pliers on the cable and rap the end of it with a bfh while twisting on the vice grips. If that doesn't work, heat is next.