Removal/reinstall of Steering Rod from tilt tube

[sugardaddy]

So as to not let the summer end without using my pontoon boat, I decided to buy a used Johnson 60HP motor to replace my problematic Johnson 40 HP. Actually I had to buy a Bass Boat with hull problems but the engine was good.

This weekend, I removed the used 60HP motor from the Bass boat. I had a very difficult time removing the steering rod from the Cable guard tilt tube. I had to use a large hammer and a rod to drive the rod out of the tilt tube. As I recall, I had similar difficulty in removing the steering rod from my old 40HP last year. I found an old post that said to loosen the starbord side nut from the tile tube. I did that but the removal was still very difficult. Should I have done more? Should I have removed the tilt tube altogether?

I am going to have to put the rod back in next week. With the difficulty I had in removing it, I wonder how I am going to get back the rod back into the tube. With a hammer and rod removal was possible, but for re-installation I don't see how I will be able to force this rod back into the tilt tube.

Can someone give me some advice or a reference to a document that I can use to see how removal install of the steering rod should be done? Thanks in advance..

 

[ftltony]

Re: Removal/reinstall of Steering Rod from tilt tube

Buy a new tilt tube and install a good lubrication system. If you don't replace the tilt tube, its going to just sieze up as soon as you don't use the boat for a couple weeks. I know this from experience as well!

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Removal/reinstall of Steering Rod from tilt tube

Just did this.

Biggest thing is not to remove the rod from the tilt tube until the motor was on the hoist and completely undone from the boat. Then (with that big nut undone) swing the motor and the rod cam right out. Yours might take a light smacking but it's a lot easier.

 

[F_R]

Re: Removal/reinstall of Steering Rod from tilt tube

At the least, you can re-use the tilt tube you have. But don't force the rod back in. It will slide in easy if you first clean the rust out of the tube. They make a wire brush especially for that purpose. Then grease it before reinstalling the steering and make that a part of your regular maintenance to keep it lubed. It will give good service if lubed and even a new one will sieze if neglected.