1970 Johnson 4hp hard to steer

[puffitu]

Maybe a dumb question but I’ve got a couple of 4hp direct drive Johnson’s which I’ve resurrected, but the last thing I’d like to do is to loosen up the rubber which they both swivel or pivot to improve steering. It seems very tight. Normal?Thanks

 

[F_R]

Peer in right above the transom, between the stern brackets. See that screw head looking back at you? That is the steering friction adjustment. Tighten/loosen it to suit yourself. But if it is backed off and still hard to steer, you'll have to take it apart and clean the corrosion out and re-lubricate. Easy to do, just remove the 4 screws holding the back cap that it swivels in.

 

[puffitu]

Thanks FR
Had a feeling it was a dumb question and I tip my hat to you for your time. I did look at that screw on both motors but my little brain didn’t make that connection. Thank you