Panther T4 installation help

[redneck joe]

Of course the helpline is not avail on the weekends becuase nobody does work on boats on the weekend.


Started to install today but my tilt tube seems to be too short. The pic on the directions look like i need about and inch of exposed threads. On my 9.8 merc i have about a quarter inch each side mo maybe i could offset to get a half inch. Threads available on the unit look tobe about an inch.


Questions

How much thread do i need
If i dont have enough where would i get a longer tilt tube

 

[redneck joe]

Ok shifted the tilt tube enough to get a good grip on the tube, but new issue. The geared arm that pushes the steering arm is too big to go inside the tilt tube. The steering arm is perfectly sized not sure why the other arm would be bigger. Makes no sense to me. It hits the tube. I filed to opening a bit to flare it hoping that would help but no go. Good news is it works perfectly anout a quarter of the wayand would be great if i wanted to turn to starboard and go in circles.....


I'm emailing then now hope to have an answer Monday. Here is what i sent

I have a mid to late 70's Mercury 9.8 hp kicker. The drive rod works and fits perfectly in the tilt tube sliding freely but snug as it should, however the geared arm coming from the unit does not fit into the opposite side of the tilt tube. It is too fat.


I tried the opposite side of the tilt tube and same issue. I also filed down the opening of the tilt tube in case there was some damage right at the opening which there should not have been; didn't feel any and if there was the drive rod would have issues as well. No success there.


The unit works when not attached, the geared rod extends fullyas designed.



So why is the geared actuator arm fatter than the drive rod and what is the solution to correct this?




Sent from Samsung tablet.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... So what's a Panther T4,..??

 

[redneck joe]

http://www.panthermarineproducts.com/electro-steer-and-steering


Got it here on iboats.



There is a short video there as well.

 

[redneck joe]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SgFAmCLKCy8

 

[redneck joe]

here is Panthers reply:


It may be possible that the gear bar you have is the wrong size. Please provide your address and I will give you shipping instructions to send the part back to us for evaluation and replacement.

 

[redneck joe]

but i'm wondering WTH and am concerned there is something else going on. Might just return the part.



my reply



Not sure I understand your reply to the issue. The T4 is listed as compatible with ?all outboards with a tilt tube? up to 40 hp or whatever. The T5 is same yet used a cable rather than rod. There is nothing listed on your website or on iboats ordering screen about selection of a specific model of T4 to match a specific outboard. It is a manufactured part, not custom built so how would an incorrect gear bar be the case? The drive rod fits perfectly, why would the gear bar on a standard manufactured part be incorrect and not matching the diameter of the drive rod?

 

[Bondo]

On my 9.8 merc i have about a quarter inch each side mo maybe i could offset to get a half inch. Threads available on the unit look tobe about an inch.


Questions

How much thread do i need

Ayuh,..... I just went to the website,......

My guess is, offset the tilt tube to what ya can get, 'n Go with it,......

My guess is, when screwed on it'll jamb up against the nut holdin' the tilt tube tight, 'n not go anywhere,....

It's forces are gonna be push/ pull, so a 1/2" or so of threads, Oughta be enough,.......

 

[redneck joe]

Yep that was close to my math, ended up with about 3/4 ".

 

[redneck joe]

Well, de ided to return the T4. Panther offered to fix replace the gear bar but he told me they have been seeing them too large and i just question if they cannot get a simple fab on a hunk of metal on a 450 plus dollar item that the rest of it may not be as good of quality as it should be.


Going with a simple solution for 30 bucks