Tilt Tube Trouble

[Dave Abrahamson]

1983 Johnson 90 V4 Seahorse<br />Has anyone had any luck cleaning out a corroded tilt tube with a brake cylinder hone? Any other tricks to get the guck out?<br />I don't think it needs replacement, I just want to clean it up and put a nut w/zerk fitting to keep it lubed as it's always operated in saltwater.<br />Thanks <br /><br />Dave

 

[Mila]

Re: Tilt Tube Trouble

When I had that problem I used the following<br /><br />Penetrating oil<br />Steel wool<br />Wire clothes hanger<br />paper towels.<br /><br />Cut a 12" staight pieces of wire clothes hanger <br />make a loop on one end and inset the steel wool. Place and tighten the other end into your drill.<br />Spray tube with penetrating lubricant and insert steel wool, moving the drill back and forth a few time then remove, change steel wool and repeat process. It worked for me!

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Tilt Tube Trouble

I just use a drill bit. There's a style that's common for wood that is NOT a twist drill. I don't know the name of them, but they are more or less flat, and they have a centering V-shaped piece in the middle. They are good for this use because typically have a longer shank (so you can clear out the whole tube by working from both sides) and the big sizes will chuck up in a regular 3/8" portable drill chuck.

 

[ob]

Re: Tilt Tube Trouble

ledgefinder,We call those paddle bits.<br /><br />You can also try a bore brush and use it manually or chuck it into your drill and run slowly with petetrating oil or solvent.I've used the ones from a gun cleaning kit.Then just swab it out several times .

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Tilt Tube Trouble

Thanks guys<br />I'll try the drill. There isn't much room on either side but I think once the brush is inside the tube I'll have room to chuck it in the drill.<br />Nobody ever did the hone thing huh?<br /><br />Dave

 

[Walker]

Re: Tilt Tube Trouble

I use a 12ga. shotgun cleaning brush and one section of cleaning rod chucked up in my drill. Lots of wd40 and lots of flushing between cleanings.

 

[jerseyboy 41]

Re: Tilt Tube Trouble

I was in the marine supply store the other day and found a wire brush made specifically for this task. It was a cylindrical brush mounted on semi-flexible shaft meant to be chucked in a drill. Way cool item.