Rusty Pivot Tube 150 yamaha

[Hardcore]

ive got a 1990 150hp yamaha that runs perfect. the only thing is that the steering arm and pivot tube (the thing that the motor tilts on mounted to the transom and the steering rod goes through) are very rusty.

it looks like the only thing holding the motor up and i am worried about the rust. its the pivot tube that im most worried about because its a tube and i dont know how thick it is. does that tube slide out so i could replace it? i really cant tell how bad it is but it has 2 patches of rust and about 1/16" deep has flaked off.

ive owned 2 motors like this and just assumed it was no big deal until i realized that if it rusted through the motor could fall right off, am i right about that? it looks like the motor is held up by 2 bolts through the steering arm bracket and that its held to the bracket at the pivot tube?

why in the world would they use steel? ive painted it all with rust stopper but im not sure if i should take it farther.

 

[mobilemike]

Re: Rusty Pivot Tube 150 yamaha

I'v seen some pretty rusty ones hold out a long time. The critical part is what you can't see,the part that runs through the bracket at the pivot point.Not too hard of a fix,but you will probably have to unbolt the engine from the transom for clearance. I use a piece of pipe about the same size as the tube to drive the tube out and hold the nylon washers and bushings in place.If you are careful,you can replace the nylon pieces as you install the new tube. The steering arm is a whole 'nother animal. It must be the first part that they grab when making an outboard.Powerhead comes off as well as lower unit,upper and lower engine mounts and mid section.Expect to break bolts.A torch and a cut off wheel are almost manditory. Expect to buy more than just the steering arm.