an almost stepson needs some advice

[jlh3rd]

So this is a late 90's Merc 60 hp 2 stroke. I've got it running great.
Two issues. Tilt/trim is inop, but I believe I can replace the total assembly, runs around $500-$700 .
The big issue is what appears to be a bearing that is loose/bad at the top of what I call that center pivoting motor mount. If I pull back and forth on the lower unit, the top of that "mount" (?) moves back an forth.
What is involved in fixing that? It appears the motor has to be taken off the boat ?
I can't do that.
And what would a shop cost, roughly.
He's got to decide if he wants to sell the boat or not. Nothing fancy about the boat, just a simple, aluminum ,'90's fishing rig.

 

[redneck joe]

any mod can you move to a repair section after we know what flavor of outboard it is.


For the T&T, doesn't have to work if not out for performance - just find the sweet spot after some time on the water and pin it there with the tilt pin.

 

[jlh3rd]

sorry...guess I didn't see the "non". And stated it was a late 90's Merc. 60hp 2 stroke....1996, I believe. Figured that mount is similar for a broad range of Mercs.
And I did pin it. He can run it as is I said, for now...but I don't know one thing about that bearing/pivot point......so I believe it should be fixed.

 

[redneck joe]

ah, missed the merc part.

 

[jimmbo]

Are you referring to #1 moving?

 

[jlh3rd]

top of swivel base, yep.
#2, #3, #20....that area. Which would be located at the top of #9 and #1.
If I pull back and forth on the on the prop/gearcase, that moves back and forth also..so gotta be that bearing/seal/washer assembly.
Not complicated, but what's involved in getting that apart to replace those parts.....assuming it's not a bore issue in the swivel base top.

 

[jimmbo]

This should be the Transom Bracket(a serial # helps pick the correct parts lists)
There aren't a lot of bushings involved looking at the exploded diagram

 

[Chris1956]

Check the bottom yoke #7, top picture for play. That is usually where it is. The steering rod #9 top picture, on my '93 Merc rotted out just above the yoke. The cure was to replace the carbon steel steering rod.

Also check the rubber mounts. The four bolts from the steering rod and yoke attach to the exhaust extension under the powerhead and midsection, respectively. See if the play is in them.

 

[jlh3rd]

Are you referring to #1 moving?
View attachment 419869

It's this diagram that you posted, not the transom. That's where the issue is. Specifically #'s 2, 3, 20. Don't need correct parts yet. I need to confirm what is involved in replacing those parts. I hear it involves ......a lot.

 

[jlh3rd]

Check the bottom yoke #7, top picture for play. That is usually where it is. The steering rod #9 top picture, on my '93 Merc rotted out just above the yoke. The cure was to replace the carbon steel steering rod.

Also check the rubber mounts. The four bolts from the steering rod and yoke attach to the exhaust extension under the powerhead and midsection, respectively. See if the play is in them.

thanks, but the main question is how ...would you replace that carbon steel rod.
How do you replace the bearings, seals, and washers.What's involved?

 

[Chris1956]

Replacing the steering rod (actually swivel pin is it's official name) is a PIA. You pull the gearcase. You pull the powerhead. You remove the exhaust extension. On most saltwater motors, you need to cut the rubber mount bolts at the steering rod, 'cause the rubber mounts are rusted to the bolts. Now the midsection is still attached to the yoke, but free from the tripleclamp.

Now install the new steering rod thru the tripleclamp and into the yoke. Install new rubber mounts and bolts into the exhaust extension, thru the steering rod, with the nuts behind the rubber mounts. Make sure to replace the mount bolts with the same hardness and size as the original. My Merc V6 used grade 7, 7/16" fine thread 6" bolts with nylon locknuts. Stainless steel bolts are usually too weak.

Bolt the exhaust extension back on.

Now install a new powerhead base gasket, and then the powerhead and gearcase.

 

[jlh3rd]

that's what I'd heard.
So that's not gonna happen, at least from my end.
But, as a last resort....anyone here able to give a rough estimate cost wise from a shop?
This is not a salt water exposed motor.

 

[Chris1956]

The first issue is getting a replacement steering rod. Merc upgraded to a SS version, which would not fit my '93 Merc V6. I found a used stock one in Green Bay, WI. It was like new, due to freshwater useage..

A shop may not want to search around for a used part, for an old motor.

 

[aspeck]

IF you find the parts and IF everything goes well, you are looking at 2-2.5 hours labor. Add more time for corroded/seized bolts, nuts, connections. What is the local labor rate there?