1st time using a forum here, so I hope I'm doing this right. I have a problem I cannot get an answer for regarding bushings on the steering tube. I replaced a 65hp Johnson with an 85hp Evinrude on my 16ft Skeeter. The boat has a stick-steering system mounted on the left hand side. The blown motor I removed had the threads on its left side to accomodate the cable coming in from that area. The engine I recently purchased had the threads on the opposite side to receive the cable from a more common right hand side arrangement.
I relieved the motor of its weight using a gantry over the boat and removed the steering tube, which also serves as the pivot point for the trim and tilt. I inserted the tube into the opposite side but cannot get the 2 bushing to line up and go in where the motor, tube, and transom mount all come together. There is a slight but noticable movement when tilting the motor. The tube/bar is correctly installed and the steering cable runs through it just fine. The steering works too.
I need to know if anyone has a suggestion as to how to get the motor and transom bracket aligned perfectly where the bushing can be tapped in. If not, could catastrophic damage be expected if I left it as is?
thanks!
I relieved the motor of its weight using a gantry over the boat and removed the steering tube, which also serves as the pivot point for the trim and tilt. I inserted the tube into the opposite side but cannot get the 2 bushing to line up and go in where the motor, tube, and transom mount all come together. There is a slight but noticable movement when tilting the motor. The tube/bar is correctly installed and the steering cable runs through it just fine. The steering works too.
I need to know if anyone has a suggestion as to how to get the motor and transom bracket aligned perfectly where the bushing can be tapped in. If not, could catastrophic damage be expected if I left it as is?
thanks!