Tilt tube still clogged

[nightstalker]

Tilt tube is clogged with old dry grease. Tried replaceing and removing zerks, digging out crud, power greaser, etc. I want to try heat. How do I apply the heat with my propane torch? Do I remove the zerks and point it there or do I try to heat up the entire tilt tube? Can somethng like WD 40 be squirted in the tube to keep it lubricated if I can't get grease in there?<br />Stalker

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

Those two zerk grease fitting have nothing to do with the interior portion of the tilt/steering tube.<br /><br />The grease fittings simply apply grease to the outside area to allow the engine to be tilted and lowered as easily as possible.<br /><br />If you have the steering rod removed from the tube, you can clean the inside of the tube with a ball type cleaning attachment that fits any electric drill (or a large rat tail file etc). After that, you must apply grease manually to the inside of the tube.... and of course apply grease to the steering rod when you install it.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

Joe:<br /> It's the tilting up and down of the motor that I'm concerned about. With that old dried grease behind the zerks, won't it eventually create tilting problems. Putting grease inside the tube won't help with the T/T I take it. Can I grease that tube behind the zerks somehow?<br />Stalker

 

[OBJ]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

Hi stalker....if your worried about the tube, support the engine, you didn't say what hp, so it won't fall and pull the tilt tube out. All you need to do is remove one of the large retaining nuts, preferably on the port side and the tube will pull out. Shop hoist works well for this if you have access to one.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

I understand more thoroughly what you're speaking of now, and I have encountered that a few times.<br /><br />The procedure I've used has been to simply remove the zerk fittings, then pick that dry gummed grease loose with a piece of mechanics wire, paper clip, whatever. I would then spray into the hole WD40, penetrating oil, whatever I had on hand, after which I'd put a rag over the hole to act as a sealing agent and press the tip of a air gun into the rag/hole.<br /><br />The air pressure of 120/140 psi from the compressor has always completed the job. YOu might also (temporarily) back off the large tube retaining nuts 1/2 turn or so while you're doing this.... Just be sure to re-tighten them to where they were when you're finished. Good luck.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

Thanks, I'll give it a try.<br />Stalker

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

I had very good luck with using slick 50s one lube spray.It does not dry like wd40 and some of the others.Charlie

 

[angus63]

Re: Tilt tube still clogged

I flooded the tube with marvels mystery oil, and then used a brake cyl hone (7/8 ?) on a power drill and it came out like new. Used alot of grease when I reassembled hoping never to do it again.<br />Good luck