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Frozen Steering on Tohatsu 8 hp 2 stroke?

J

JanSIrons

New member
Hi all! The steering on our trusty vintage 2001 Tohatsu 8 hp, 2 stroke dinghy motor has decided to freeze up and will barely turn back and forth. We've been treating it with PB Blaster to try and free it up and then Boeshield 9 for lubrication. Now it will turn, with monumental effort, but not easily for steering as it always has. Any ideas on something different to try? The outboard starts easily, very reliable and it's a shame it's so difficult to turn. Help!!! :)

Cheers -- Jan
CommuterCruiser.com
 
Assuming you have an M8B. Clearly lack of regular lubrication has contributed to corrosion between the steering shaft and swivel bracket. This can be exacerbated by use in salt water. The zerk fitting needs to be greased at regular intervals, at least annually. You may (or may not) be able to force grease through the zerk until the crud is expelled from the upper and lower mating areas between the shaft and bracket. Otherwise...

Remove the steering shaft from the swivel bracket. May require heat. Force grease into the zerk fitting (on starboard side) to help. Clean everything, and re-lubricate. Possibly replace the o-ring near the bottom of the shaft while you are at it.
 
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there is also an adjustment nut with a spring on the side that tightens the steeing so you can let go of the tiller and it'll track straight loosen that to give it some relief if it was a little snug to begin with and add a little corrision it won't move
 
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