1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

In a previous post It was suggested I get an impact driver to get the drain plug out? I'm getting that today when Harbor Frieght opens.
I noticed it has a hollow swivel tube for tilting the motor, There is a big nut on the right side of that tube, I am guessing I remove that nut, slide the teleflex cable thru the tube and then screw down the nut on the teleflex steering cable. There must be a special part to connect the end of the teleflex cable and then to the motor to make it turn.
What does that part look like? any pictures out there? Can I fabricate something so I can steer it with a wheel?
I also noticed a small plate on the right side of the motor that is removable and I am guessing that is where the remote shift/throttle cables go into the motor. This motor has the shift in the twist grip, can it also use remote controls?
I know this is a lot to ask and I hope that you can help me out.

Re: 1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

The steering link would look something like this.



Not sure, but I think a kit is made for those motors to convert the throttle and shift from tillerarm to remote.

Re: 1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

be sure you get the proper link rod for your particular motor. they are different lengths, and shapes.

Re: 1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

Thanks I appreciate the picture it helped a lot.
Finally got the gearcase plug out too. Oil was yucky black.
Is the proceedure for dropping the LU to change the impellor pretty much the same as it is for an OMC. Leave in fwd gear, Disconnect the shift rod, remove the three bolts and lower the unit straight down?
Always like to change the plugs, gear oil and the impellor on any engine I get. This one has a little fuel filter, guess I will change that too, how do I take that apart? Is it a twist off?
Had a manual but cannot find it, that will turn up after I have finished doing what I am doing. they always do.

Re: 1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

Bill, to pull the lower unit you will have to disconnect the shift rod by removing the rev lock actuater a phillips screw near the lock dogs and the connection for the rod which is under the carb on the port side it's a pin retained by a screw or small bolt.

Re: 1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

How do I do that, I can barely see anything under the carb?
I guess I will also have to remove that thing on the shift rod that actuated the tilt lock

Re: 1988 Merc 15 pull start Steering

Thanks Laddies, I got it off. I reached in there with my finger and felt a lever with a tab, and for the heck of it I gave it a flip up and it popped free. After looking at it a few min I did as you suggested and pulled on that lever and it slid right out and released the shift rod. Should be easy to put it back once you know how it comes out.

It is very clever idea but almost completly hidden and is well disguised in black paint and the instructions just says to disconnect the shift rod. I plan to repaint it white prior to reinstallation