1988 85HP steering tube very tight

[circle hook]

the steering on my engine is very hard its not the cable, thats disconnected its the swing tube that mounts the engine to the transom bracket, I was wondering if any solvent or even heat to loosen it up then apply new clean grease any help before taking the complete thing apart its a very heavy motor
Thanks Bob

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1988 85HP steering tube very tight

The steering cable and tilt tube can cause hard steering,Then the swivel bracket will slow it down too.
Using heat will help but be careful.l Try a thin grease like white lithium.There is a grease fitting on the side.It's a press in no threads.
If it won't take grease you can actually push it out(the fitting) with greasing too much.
Heat and turn it back and forth.Then heat it some more and try adding grease.
The cable has a smaller inside cable that needs to come out and get cleaned.Undo the big nut and remove the whole thing.Clean it and then clean it again.Lots of gunk gets in there.J