What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

[2007Screw]

Hi - have 2 quick questions. Did a search but couldn't find my answer. I have an 18 foot '88 Glastron with same year Mercury Black Max 150hp. I just got the water pump impellor and lower gear oil replaced yesterday since I don't have the previous maint records. They also did a performance test and everything is good. Compression around 120 on all cylinders, spark, fuel, all good. I have noticed that the steering gear/rods are pretty dry at the outboard itself. What can I use to lube them? I have a repair manual but it doesn't specify how to lube them and what to use. I do not see any grease zerks for it either.

My 2nd newbie question is I bought the bought to be used for watersports. It has a quicksilver 19p 3-blade SS prop on it now and I top out around 5200 rpms WOT at 44-45 mph GPS. I was told by the place that checked out my boat that I could drop down to a 18p 4-blade or a 17p 3-blade for better holeshot performance. The 19p right now just drags me when trying to slalom ski. No holeshot power at all right now. Any recommendations on prop selection? 3blade vs. 4blade? Thanks in advance!! This is a GREAT site!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

Hi - have 2 quick questions. Did a search but couldn't find my answer. I have an 18 foot '88 Glastron with same year Mercury Black Max 150hp. I just got the water pump impellor and lower gear oil replaced yesterday since I don't have the previous maint records. They also did a performance test and everything is good. Compression around 120 on all cylinders, spark, fuel, all good. I have noticed that the steering gear/rods are pretty dry at the outboard itself. What can I use to lube them? I have a repair manual but it doesn't specify how to lube them and what to use. I do not see any grease zerks for it either.
Grease the tube at least..ya sure there are no Zerks?
My 2nd newbie question is I bought the bought to be used for watersports. It has a quicksilver 19p 3-blade SS prop on it now and I top out around 5200 rpms WOT at 44-45 mph GPS. I was told by the place that checked out my boat that I could drop down to a 18p 4-blade or a 17p 3-blade for better holeshot performance. The 19p right now just drags me when trying to slalom ski. No holeshot power at all right now. Any recommendations on prop selection? 3blade vs. 4blade? Thanks in advance!! This is a GREAT site!

Any of those props mentioned will work. If you mostly do watersports, I'd do the 17 3, but watch your RPM's,..keep it no more than 5500 (might be able to ticlke 5800, but you aint looking to top speed anyway

 

[JB]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

Please post your prop question in the prop forum.

There should be a grease fitting on the part of the engine that the steering rod goes through. Use marine grease. . .the same stuff you pack your trailer bearings with.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

A lot of steering cables have the grease fittings. If yours does, grease it with a marine grease in the gun. if it doesn't have the fitting, and you boat in salt water, the best stuff to use is Merc Special 101 lube. if you boat in fresh water, marine grease applied by hand is acceptable.

For th prop shaft, I use the marine grease as well. pull the prop and lube it every year.

 

[2007Screw]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

Thanks for the replies - I will look again for a grease fitting. I purchased a Quicksilver 17p SS prop from eBay last night. Will see how that changes things once I get it and install it. Thanks again!

 

[dingbat]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

The grease fitting should be right in the middle of the tilt /steering rod tube.

If it doesn't all ready have one install a seperate steering rod seal. The OEM rod wipers on those motors aren't the best and on a motor of that age the wipers have long since been worn out and need replaced anyhow

 

[rschnack]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

If I understand correctly, you should make sure the tube is all the way in housing before adding grease to the zirc. If you add the grease when it is extended, it might restrict the travel.
RCS

 

[2007Screw]

Re: What to lube steering on Merc outboard and Prop Question

The grease fitting should be right in the middle of the tilt /steering rod tube.

Found it!!! It was buried out of sight. Had to tilt the motor all the way down to gain access to it. Thanks again!!