The lower engine bracket on my 1988 Mercury 100 is very rusty, and it appears that where the yoke goes around the steering tube the fit is loose enough that there is about a quarter inch of back and forth play. It is not a pretty sight. I have a picture. <br /><br />I've checked out the price of parts at mercurypartsexpress.com that is not pretty either. This is particularly true if the splines on the end of the steering tube are damaged, that part alone is $300+. A reputable local shop has estimated $1400 for the repair, which is more than I'm willing to spend. <br /><br />The questions I have are:<br /><br />1) Is this common? When it happens, does the steering tube go too?<br />2) Is this something that a handy guy with reasonable mechanical skills can repair himself. <br />3) Is there a source of used Mercury parts anywhere? The lower yoke looks identical to the one on a brand new Merc 115, I suspect a wide range of application years. <br /><br />Any advice would be appreciated.
