1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

gamiller

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I am going to replace the kinpin bearings in the swivel bracket. Any body have any suggestion on what else I should repair/replace in the process?<br />Motor will turn, but it takes alot of effort, and is hard to control at low speeds or on plain in tight winding waterways. I read all the recomendations on this site, and have tried all of them to try and free up the sticky bearings, but nothing worked.
 

clanton

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Jul 9, 2001
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Re: 1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

If you put heat in the right place it will free up. The heat will loosen the old hard grease and crud build up. It helps to have 4 hands one set to turn engine and pump grease, while the other is heating. Careful of wires, cable, FUEL LINES, and FUEL dripping from carbs.
 

gamiller

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Re: 1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

I tried this approach using a Milwaukee heat gun. Do you think I should try a little propane torch?
 

clanton

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Re: 1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

I would think it should be hot enough to bubble the grease, propane may do it. I try to keep the flame off of the plastic bushing.
 

gamiller

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Re: 1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

You should probably also know that while pumping the grease gun, lots of grease comes out of the bottom bearing, so I don't think any grease is getting to the top bearing. Any tip/trick to get some grease to the top bearing??
 

clanton

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Re: 1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

Sometimes you can lift the engine upward with jack or 4/4, with just enough pressure to move the slack/endplay in steering shaft from bottom to top, this may slow the grease from comming out the bottom. I have drilled the bracket and installed 2nd grease fitting in some cases. Soak the top bushing with Blaster, automatic transmisson fluid, REMEMBER BOTH OF THESE FLUIDS BURN. It is a dirty job, be carful, take your time, it will come loose.
 

gamiller

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Re: 1990 Force 90hp swivel bracket/kingpin bearings

Thanks Clanton, I will try. Exactly what is Blaster, I have never heard of it. I have soaked the top bearing/plastic washer w/lots of WD/40, but will try the AT fluid, and the jack trick. <br />Thanks again.
 
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