Can't install steering ram, move motor?

[batkins761]

The continuing steering saga takes a sad turn.<br /><br />I'am replacing the steering on my 1988 Baja Sunsport 186/Yamaha ProV150. Unfortunately, the distance between the end of the motor pivot tube for the steering ram and the side wall of the engine well is shorter than the ram length! The hole the cable, fuel, etc. go through is not in line with the steering tube.<br /><br />I've looked at making an access hole in the sidewall to enable this installation, but the hole would almost reach the transom in order to be in line with the steering tube. Aside from looking like hell, I'm not sure whether I would compromise the transom, or allow too much water through into the boat (when waves come over the transom).<br /><br />I can't get the old ram out (without cutting it up) and I can't get the new ram in. I can only imagine that they put the steering on the motor before it was fully mounted on the transom.<br /><br />I think the next step is to get an engine lift from the rental shop and slide the motor over on the transom enough to get the ram in. My question is, what is involved in removing the bolts, detaching the motor from the transom, and then remounting it at the end?<br /><br />This is a 150HP Yamaha V6 outboard. I'd hate to have it mounted incorrectly when I'm done! :-/<br /><br />Appreciate any advice or how to on mounting a large motor, or on any alternatives.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Can't install steering ram, move motor?

batkins, there should be 4 bolts that hold that engine on.<br /><br />2 in the splash well and 2 in the bilge area.<br /><br />Just hook your hoist up and take some pressure off these bolts and then remove them, slide motor over and get your steering hooked up if that is the only way you can, and then get it back to the original holes and put the bolts back in.<br /><br />You might need 2 people for this project. It would make it a lot easier to do.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[batkins761]

Re: Can't install steering ram, move motor?

Spinner_bait Nut<br /><br />Thanks for the reply! I see that there appears to be sealant or adhesive applied between the bracket and transom. I assume this will need replacing. What is it? So the bolts or bolt holes need sealant or any other treatment?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[dakk1]

Re: Can't install steering ram, move motor?

batkins<br /><br />I owned a late 70's something Baja with a Merc 150 Inline 6 a few years back and had the same problem you have. Those Bajas don't leave much room at all. Mine was a single cable and I too cut the old cable out of the tube. Anyways I spent one whole day foolin' with it and finally I pulled most of the cable out of the access hole and made a big loop in it then was able to get it in the steering tube. I then pulled the rack (mine was rack and pinion) up to the console. Pretty much the opposite of what the directions said. Don't know if you can do it that way but it's a thought.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Can't install steering ram, move motor?

Brian - Yes you need to use sealent. Apply a liberal amount of 3M 5200 to the holes, bolts, washers and nuts.

 

[batkins761]

Re: Can't install steering ram, move motor?

dakk1:<br />Alas, I can't make the turn from either the outside of the motor well or the access hole into the tilt tube. Something has to give, either the boat or the motor <br /><br />SoLittle, thanks for the info!<br /><br />Few more questions. There are two nuts on the bolts. What is the recommended tork for the first and second nuts on the bolts? Is any type of thread lock used? Anything else I need to know?<br />Is there a specific order or technique I need to employ to get both nuts tight?<br /><br />Thanks again, everyone! Once again, this forum has been a life saver!