Re: swivel bracket
no special tools required, but more than one known problem area involved.
A little background first ... Force doesn't really have quite enough anode for salty, polluted, or acidic water. It is a mostly aluminum engine with quite a bit of stainless in and around the swivel/tilt mechanism. If you puit stainless and aluminum into a tank of saltwater you will create a very weak battery. Over the course of time the battery will discharge and the softer metal will always absorb 100% of the damage. Your anode is suppossed to be softer than aluminum. It works if you keep it shiny. Better yet, attach some zinc plates in and around your swivel brackets if you intend to operate in saltwater.
Now, back to your engine ...
If you see anything that looks like a white limestone deposit than that is really aluminum "rust" caused by galvanic corrosion. It does not respond well to penetrating oils. It will sometimes crack if you heat it. Vinegar and toilet boil cleaner eat it up fairly well but can stain your engine. The best solution is to either replace the part or patiently work it back and forth using all of the above. It can take hours & hours sometimes.
No special tools are required. you just have to fight your way through the corrosion without doing any damage to your engine. I have a pile of stern brackets and swivels. You may want to consider using a saw and throwing away the pieces.
