Replacing the Steering Bracket on a 1971 Evinrude 18hp

[Goin' Lite]

Helllo everyone.
I'm new here and pretty new to outboards as well.
I picked up a 14' flat bottom boat with this outboard for duck hunting and on my most recent trip broke the steering bracket.
There are only a few more days left in our duck season and I'm being told by my outboard repair shop that I can't get it back in time.
I have found that the part is available online but I'm looking for some opinions on whether replacing it is a DIY job or not and maybe some tips.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[James R]

Re: Replacing the Steering Bracket on a 1971 Evinrude 18hp

You can do it but get the manual first.

 

[boobie]

Re: Replacing the Steering Bracket on a 1971 Evinrude 18hp

It's a pretty good job to do and if it's been in salt water it could be worse. As James R said get an OEM factory service manual first.

 

[Goin' Lite]

Re: Replacing the Steering Bracket on a 1971 Evinrude 18hp

Thanks for the responses guys. I ordered the part and a service manual. I anticipate posting again when I get stuck.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Replacing the Steering Bracket on a 1971 Evinrude 18hp

I had a 1957 18hp one time last year that had a broken steering tube and I replaced it, before an hour was up. It's actually quite simple. You'll need to unbolt the lower shock absorbers and the transome brackets and stuff, but it's nothing too tough to do.