zerk's clogged

[nightstalker]

The two zerk fittings used to grease the trim/tilt tube have hardened grease behind them. I tried replacing them, removing them and digging the old stuff out, an impact grease tool that was supposed to remove any old hardened grease. carb. cleaner, etc. with no luck. I guess I'll have to heat the unit to loosen up that old hard grease. Do I remove the zerks and apply the heat to the open grease holes? One of the zerks is stripped out which makes me think that the previous owner had trouble greasing them also. Can I buy the next biggest size zerk and use it to rethread the one that's stripped? Any other ideas on replacing stripped zerk or removing old hardened grease? I've been spraying WD 40 on it to keep it working.<br />Stalker

 

[Forktail]

Re: zerk's clogged

If you want to do it right, you may want to disassemble the trim/tilt tube. That way you can completely clean it, re-tap for a new zerk, re-grease, and possibly find the reason you had the problem in the first place.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: zerk's clogged

Forktail:<br /> Is it difficult to disassemble the tube? I have a shop repair manual for this engine , but don't see anything about disassembling the tube.<br />Stalker

 

[Forktail]

Re: zerk's clogged

Stalker, you didn't mention what outboard you were working on. Maybe you could clarify what you mean by trim/tilt tube too. Thanks.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: zerk's clogged

nightstalker <br /><br />I would drill and tap out the stripped fitting and fit an oversized one. Put some grease on the drill bit to catch the shaving so they don't get in the tube. Once you get the new fitting in, heat the tube back and forth to loosen up the hardened grease. Don't overdo it with the heat, though. There are bushing on the ends of the tube. While still warm, have someone tilt the motor up and down a little, put the grease gun on it and see if you can force out the old stuff. A propane torch is enough heat to do it. But, Like Forktail said, if you want to really do it right, disassemble it and clean it out. Might be tough with that 225, though. I'd at least try the heat approach first. And yes, it can be a bear to get the tube out. But if you do, there are stainless ones that you can replace it with that will last forever. You will probably have to remove the motor to accomplish this, along with the brackets. Be prepared to beat it out and use lots of heat on it. You might want to put "Tilt Tube" in the search box if you decide to go that route..

 

[nightstalker]

Re: zerk's clogged

The engine is a 225 Johnny, 1994. Maybe a mechanic would be the route to take on this one.<br />Stalker

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: zerk's clogged

I would try the technique as I described above, as you have nothing to lose and cash to gain. But that is entirely up to you. Good Luck either way you go...