1998 Mariner 25 HP is there a way to dampen the steering

[Lensvettes]

The motor has no tension to control the steering. In the up position the motor falls to one side. in the run position the tiller must be held on to keep the motor straight.
On my Johnson there is a shaft screw in the front under the power head to control this. I have a screw on the side of the Mariner (maybe to control steering) but is does nothing to control this.
does anyone know how to fix this.

 

[roscoe]

Yes, in the front, just above the transom clamp and be;ow the top cover.

Small flat bar slides left and right. As you move it, it puts pressure on a curved bar, putting tension on the entire thing.

The curved bar ( silver in cold ) can break, been there, done that.

They are shown in the upper right box in this diagram, #3 and #8.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/32539/11407/160

 

[Lensvettes]

There is no lever or bar on my motor. any other spot to try? (1998 tiller long shaft non electric)

 

[flyingscott]

Look for a screw on the side of the swivel bracket.