1989 Force 125 hard steering

[y-knot]

I have twin 125's on my boat and the starboard engine will not turn freely (when compared to the port engine.) I can move the port engine with a light push by one hand, but the starboard one requires me to push hard with both, making it difficult to dock. When I greased the pivot pin, I noticed it only came out of the top bearing, so I'm guessing the bottom bearing is the problem. <br /><br />Any ideas on how to free the bearing up while the boat is in the water? (I have to borrow a truck to pull it out.) Also, do these motors have an adjustment for the steering free play? (manual did not show any/I didn't see anything on the engine.) Lastly, anyone else have this problem/found another cause?<br /><br />Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to explain the problem fully. <br /><br />Joe

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1989 Force 125 hard steering

It may not be the hinge pin. Pull the steering cable, from the pivot tube,and then see how it turns. If it is easy, the problem is in the cable or the pivot tube itself. A 10 GA shotgun bore brush cleans the rust out of the pivot tube better than anything I have ever tried.But it'll ruin the brush for use in your shotgun <br /><br />When you put it back together, don't grease it at first.oil it with a cloth and motor oil. Try it a couple 'back and forths' to assure it's freed-up good, then grase it,if it's werking good. Use a good marine-grade grease.

 

[ShafferNY]

Re: 1989 Force 125 hard steering

Did you try moving the engine back and forth while forcing grease into it? Works sometimes.

 

[y-knot]

Re: 1989 Force 125 hard steering

Hi and thank you both for the suggestions.<br /><br />12 footer, <br />I disconected the bolt that connects the motor to the bar that goes to the pivot tube. The motor itself will not move, the pivot tube moves easily. My guess is it's the lower bushing in the hinge pin thats stuck. I like the Idea for cleaning the pivot tube! I have to keep that in mind for other projects. Have you ever tried heating the grease to loosen it and force it out?<br /><br />ShafferNY,<br />I will try greasing it while moving the engine. My guess is I need to get the grease thats packed in their with salt, out. <br /><br />I will be working on this this weekend, and will send an update. <br /><br />tight lines.<br /><br />Joe

 

[sony2001]

Re: 1989 Force 125 hard steering

Since it won't come out the bottom of the pivot try to disolve and remove the old grease at the bottom. A strong hair dryer shouldn't bubble the paint, and liquidfy the grease inside. Then add more.