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Locked steering Mercury 7,5 hp

R

rallypack

New member
Hi!

I have a mercury 7,5 hp from 1973 which I recently fixed with new impeller etc. It run´s great!

But I have one big problem..
The "steering" is locked and I can´t move it more than perhaps 1-2 inches sideways. It´s almost like when you have the steering lock locked on a motorcycle.

I guess it could be some lock that is used during transportation but how the xxxx do I unlock it??

It´s an ordinary 7.5 hp with tiller, not cable steering.
 
Could be that the steering tension adjusting bolt under the choke lever has backed out and got in the way of the tiller handle mount ribs. This would lock the steering as if you were turning hard to the port.
 
timguy said:
Could be that the steering tension adjusting bolt under the choke lever has backed out and got in the way of the tiller handle mount ribs. This would lock the steering as if you were turning hard to the port.
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I just checked that but no, the tension screw looks alright... really strange.
 
I've got a 7.5 right here now that needs work but I really can't see what else could cause the binding, did it happen suddenly or over an extended storage period?
 
timguy said:
I've got a 7.5 right here now that needs work but I really can't see what else could cause the binding, did it happen suddenly or over an extended storage period?
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Well to be honest it might have happened over an extended period but I'm pretty sure it was ok at least last year. It's not the common problem that old motors can have which you can fix with some grease. This feels more like something have locked up since you can move it a few inches both ways and than it just stops completely.
 
fastjeff said:
Sometimes I have to heat the steering section with a torch to free the thing up.

Jeff
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I see, but have you been able to move it all in these cases? Or is it completely stuck? Because mine moves fine a couple of inches before it just stops. Like something is in the way. Exactly like when a steering lock on a motorbike is locked.
 
kimcrwbr1 said:
There is a copilot friction on the top of the swivel tube that may be rusted there should be a bolt up uneder the the front of the motor cover I believe is 7/16 hex loosen that nut if you can and then spray the friction plate good with WD. You may be able to get a torch up undertilt bracket in the travel position and you can also heat up the swivel bracket if the tube is just rusted solid.
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Thanks but do you mean the screw that adjust the friction?
I checked that one but it seems fine, I was able to loosen it but without any effecvt.

At least @38 was fine. But as you say it could perhaps be @43 which is stuck? But would I be able to move it all then?
Wouldn´t be stuck in one position all the time?

Btw the steering is locked in "neutral" position, as if I was going forward. I can move it 2-3 inches to each side but then it comes to a complete halt.
 
kimcrwbr1 said:
Have you greased the swivel tube? Just shoot grease in until it gushes out the top and bottom of the bracket. Have you sprayed the copilot good with WD yet? There are pads on top and on the bottom of the plate for the copilot just soak both sides good and work the handle until it breaks free and work the handle as you tighten the bolt to stiffen up the steering so you can take your hand off the handle while running and dont turn by itself.
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I will try this as soon as I get home! I will try and record some video of this as well so you can see how it moves.
 
This is interesting....such a simple problem. I'm checking my 7.5 again to see what it could be, but we've about covered everything. This motor uses a manual tilt release and is so very primitive. Has it been exposed to salt water?
 
kimcrwbr1 said:
Most all of these motors I have seen have been neglected from the showroom floor. All the little bits and pieces need to be soaked good with chemicals to loosen them up. Another possibility is if the bottom pads for the copilot are worn down the bolts for the steering handle can rub on the swivel bracket. Good luck on replacing those pads you need to remove the powerhead and bottom cowl and rempve the swivel tube. Not a fun project it is like a jigsaw puzzle in both directions.
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Now you are scaring me :)

The motor hasn't been used for about 6 years but before that it was used in a lake. So no salt water.

I was really hoping that it was just some kind of transportation lock.. Or that there were some other trolling lock or something but or course those wouldn't lock the steering...

Would kill me if I spent 3-4 hours fixing the carb, impeller etc and then it comes down to this.
 
I love this forum =)

Soaked the whole swivel tube and co pilot in 5-56 ( swedish version of WD40 I guess hehe) and after some rocking back and forth it started to move more and more! After about 5 min I was able to move it 100%!!

Thanks everyone for your help!!
 
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