Steering Problems

[54fleetwin]

Well while I was working on my '58 BigTwin 35, I found out the motor will not pivot. I backed off the tension screw and it made no difference.
I tried the search function here but everything is cable related issues.

I want to get this freed up w/o complete disassembly.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Steering Problems

A common problem.

Heat the stering tube with a hand held propane torch that has a blow torch type tip. While heating, apply pressure back and forth to turn the engine. As the engine frees up, force anti corrosive grease into the grease fittings.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: Steering Problems

Well JR, I do have it moving now, only about 15 degrees either side of center and it takes 2 hands to get it there. It will turn father, just not by hand.
I am going to let it soak for a couple of days and try it again. If it doesn't get easier, it's going to have to come apart.

 

[F_R]

Re: Steering Problems

Those things tighten up because of corrosion that forms around the outside of the upper swivel liner (bushing). You can soak and heat it till the cows come home, and you won't get that corrosion out. If you get it hot enough, you may burn up the liner...that will free it up. But you won't have a liner any more.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: Steering Problems

Well hopefully I didn't screw the pooch on the liner.
I never got it hot enough to screw up the paint so maybe it's OK.

For now, the Fastwin stays on the boat.
That little motor moves me and one passenger at 20mph.
I would love to go faster but in reality its hard to go that fast in the Ocean with a tinny. I can only tolerate so much hull slap before I cringe.

Can't wait to get her out on a river, but we dont have any of those in SoCal. And most of are lakes are drinking water resevoirs, so no more 2 strokes there