1997 Force 120 HP outboard

[RandyM]

The steering rod on my 1997 Force 120 HP motor gets stuck over the winter. This is the second time it has happened. I am able to get it loose, but I would like to prevent it from happening. Can anybody help out?

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1997 Force 120 HP outboard

A 10-12Gauge shotgun bore brush werks mucho good.<br />Remove the steering rod from the pivot tube.<br />Clean the rust out of the pivot tube using the bore brush,and cleanser. Use S.O.S. or Brillo pad and a little water to clean the steering rod off. Clean them both spottless, and dry. Take a grease gun with good marine grade grease, and grease both pivot tube fittings, just enough to make sure thay actually TAKE grease. If not, replace the fitting, or you will be back next summer.<br />While it is down,also clean the fealt pads in the steering tube retainer caps. Heavily oil them with motor oil. Re-assemble the mess,grease until it can't take it anymore. After every trip,clean and oil the steering tube to prevent it from drawing-in nasty stuff next trip out. It will never let you down...Now, the cable is a different matter. When they start to go,replacement is the only way to "cure" the problem.

 

[daschtick]

Re: 1997 Force 120 HP outboard

This weekend, I just replaced my steering cable on my 18' Bayliner with Force 120. When I disconnected the steering cable from the motor, it still was stiff as heck, and my motor worked freely. I have been anal about greasing all of my fittings, but there really is no 'offiical' way to lube the cable. The only 'back-yard' way I have read here to lube the cable, is to suspend it upright, and allow oil to run down into the housing. I chose the lazy(?) way out, and installed a new cable.<br /><br />Also, as 12Footer said, keep the steering (tilt) tube well lubricated, and the problem should never occur at the motor, but unfortunately the only way to fix the steering cable is to toss it out and start over.

 

[mochosla]

Re: 1997 Force 120 HP outboard

I have the same problem as RandyM. My problem is that I can't pull my pivot tube, or steering cable without removing my Force 120. Is there any degreaser I can use to clean it without pulling it out?<br /><br />Thanks. <br /><br /><br />There's no business like show business. There's also no business like certified public accounting, but it doesn't rhyme as well.