Logo
FULL SITE MENU

1968 Merc 650 steering stiffHELP

G

GOLDY

Guest
I have a 1968 merc 650 and whe

I have a 1968 merc 650 and when I try to turn the steering wheel it moves but it is very stiff and hard to turn. Any idea on what the problem might be or how to fix it so the steering wheel moves more freely. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
Are there any grease fittings

Are there any grease fittings on that year and make of engine??? If so where are the found and what kind of grease would you use???
 
"Only one grease nipple. That’

"Only one grease nipple. That’s a faulty design that you can find on any outboard. Of course there should be two grease nipples (upper and lower). It is obvious that the grease takes the easiest way out. I guess this is a way of cost save for the manufacturer. There are plastic bushings in this area and I have managed to exercise the frozen bushing and "wear" it down. Disconnect the steering cable and force the motor to turn (by hand) hundreds of times. This will generate friction heat in the frozen area. Too much heat will melt the plastic bushing (not good). Allow to cool down after some cycles (more often the harder frozen). You might be able to judge the amount of heat by touching the outside of the frozen area. Eventually, as the bushing wears down you will get some clearance that will allow the grease (or at least some WD40 from the outside) to enter. Unfortunately the grease will still take the easiest way out, and you may have to do this next year again. Too tight clearance is a common design mistake on many machines.
Good luck
Robert"
 
"Thanks Robert.
I did undo th

"Thanks Robert.
I did undo the steering cable from the engine and it turned freely to the right but I could not turn it by hand to the left, is that normal?? Also the rod that goes down from the motor which appears to be what the motor swivels on, would grease in there or using WD40 in there help at all. Its hard to get to but I think I could spray something in there??
Anymore help would be great.
Thanks"
 
Back
Top