1985 140 Evinrude O/B- rusted steering arm?????

[SaltySal]

Don't know what you really call it- but the steering cable attaches to it.
It is bolted on the motor. Anyway it is really rusty and a large chunk approx.
3" long by an 1/8" thick flaked off. What does it entail replacing it if it gets worse? Approx. what is the cost of the part and what is the proper name for it?
Thanks.

[Joe Reeves]

The two upper motor mount bolts and the four lower motor mount bolts must be removed. then the engine removed (backed away) from the steering/tilt assembly that is still bolted to the boat. Now a large nut is to be removed from the bottom of the steering arm, after which the steering arm can be lifted out of the swivel bracket.

[Walker]

Everyone I've ever seen has rusted. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[SaltySal]

Hi Joe-

Thanks for the info.
This thing probably looks worse than what it is- but being a safety
first kind of a guy, I don't want to be cruising in "an accident waiting
to happen"! Very much alarmed when I saw that rusted chunk of
metal. Would the boat need to be hauled if this thing became a reality?
I gather the actual name of the part is "steering arm" Thanks.

[tashasdaddy]

if you are talking about the piece in the picture that goes from the cable end to the motor, it is a steering link, and a simple 15 minute job to replace.

[SaltySal]

I really can't tell by the picture, but when I follow the part, it is bolted to the motor/head. The part looks like a arched tongue. The steering mechanism is
attached to it that swivels on it. Thanks for replying.

[tashasdaddy]

clik on the picture it will enlarge, the shineyest and cleanest piece

[Joe Reeves]

Tash.... He's speaking of the main steering arm that the top main motor mount bolts go through. Quite a procedure to change that item.

To be exact, the item is called a Steering Arm Assy. There are two versions as follows.

Steering Arm - 20" shaft engine = Part #392518

Steering Arm - 25" shaft engine = Part #392519

Hopefully a good used one can be found as the price floats around $500.

[mudd_mickey]

My steering arm is very rusty as well but it's hardened steel so it's tougher than what you think. I've got 1/8" thick pieces dropping as well. Although you might not need to replace it now, you should prepare for it in the near future. I'll likely do mine this winter when the boat has nothing better to do.

As described above, it's quite a job and the part brand new for mine is $385.00. Dealer only. If you're lucky you can find a used one in good shape at a salvage yard but take your old one with you when you go searching because you need to be exact.

In answer to your question about what happens if it breaks, you won't necessarily have to be towed but you will have no steering so you'll either get towed or you'll sit by your motor and pretty much idle home while you manually steer it with your arms. My main concern is having it break at WOT and the boat quickly turning on it's own and throwing myself and/or passengers off the boat. Make sure you wear the kill switch lanyard from now on just in case.

[ezeke]

Owners should be aware that the steering arm's life can be substantially increased by the judicious maintenance of the motor's anodes. Also, periodic application of Triple Guard marine grease will slow the deterioration

[SaltySal]

Thanks to all who have replied.
Heavy duty $$$ for a part. Anyone know sources I should check for
good second hand parts?

[ezeke]

Try these companies:

Outboard-parts.com

marinepartsoutlet.com

laingsoutboards.com

tcoutboard.com

You will probably be better served to buy a whole midsection if you can find one. Replacing that unit in a 1985 motor will be a PITA.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Johns...spagenameZWDVW

[SaltySal]

Thanks! (This may sound stupid but what does PITA stand for)
I appreciate your input!

[ezeke]

Kind of a pain.

[SaltySal]

OK :-) ........ Got it!

[mhhoff]

The two upper motor mount bolts and the four lower motor mount bolts must be removed. then the engine removed (backed away) from the steering/tilt assembly that is still bolted to the boat. Now a large nut is to be removed from the bottom of the steering arm, after which the steering arm can be lifted out of the swivel bracket.

I'm having the same problem rusted ready to break with the 3 holed (I guess steering arm) on a 1999 Johnson J90PLEE. Can I assume that the same procedure can be followed? Do you know where I can get the part? Is this a 2-3 man job to remove the engine? Thanks