Freeplay in upper engine mount.

[oarfish]

Is that OK to have a small side to side freeplay wobbling in the upper motor mount? I assume that it is rubber since it is not visible and it looked like a very hard acces to it. My Johnson manual did not show that area.(1988 120Hp Johnson)<br />I hope that this is cammon and not a serious problem. I took the lower motor cover off and still could not see the mount assembly.Anyone knows about this? Thanks.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

OarFish.... The powerhead would require removing in order to see the upper main motor mount. <br /><br />However, if your engine is wobbling sideways bad, but can not be pulled/pushed front to back, the problem is not the top motor mount. That type wobble is due to the splines being worn where the vertical steering shaft locks into the lower motor mount retaining bracket (the bracket/housing where the four bolts go through to retain the lower portion of the engine).<br /><br />It is actually that lower splined area that controls the steering of the engine, not the top motor mount.

 

[oarfish]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

Thank you Joe Reeves, I went out in the garage and looked at the whole setup again taking your information with me. I think I understand what you're saying, and the lower mount is very solid.<br />I was on the left side of the motor, and I grabbed it above the prop with my right hand and turned the unit left and right several times with sharp stops. As I was observing the cast iron steering arm, where two bolts holding it to the upper motor mount (as I assumed since that part is not visible until one removes the power head as you've pointed it out). That steering arm is not solidly connected as it has a little looseness when I sharply change direction with my right hand turning the unit. It has a 1/4 inch delay . I am concerned about that small free wobble . I hope that this is understandable because I am not familiar with the names of the parts and the Clymer manual is not showing an exposed view of the outboard.(is there a better manual available?) Thanks

 

[Bear]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

Since there is no OMC exploded views out there (that I'm aware of) I can only give you a Mercury picture.<br /><br />You'll get the picture here: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/images/MERMAR/63271/31.png <br /><br />/Bear

 

[oarfish]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

Thanks Bear. I really don't understand the picture since I've never taken one apart. Somebody told me today that there is a baring at the upper part where the steereng arm is connected and turning together with the engine. He said that the baring is shot and it is really hard to get to. I will have to try to take it apart in the winter.Wish me good luck because those two bolts are in 3" of aluminum all frozen together I can imagine...

 

[Bear]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

oarfish,<br />The steering arm is #13<br />The upper and lower bearing is #3<br />The bracket is #1<br /><br />The picture was just to give you an idea of what it looks like.<br /><br />Use a good penetrating oil and let it soak for days. Add some more now and then. Add some heat. Not too much. Use a hammer and give them a good punch before you try to turn them. Then try both anti-clockwise and clockwise. Use tools that fits perfectly.<br />I really wish you good luck!<br /><br />Bear

 

[oarfish]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

Thanks Bear. Is it hard to remove the power head from the 1988 Johnson 120? Do I need to drop the lower unit also before, to be able to take the powerhead off? Somebody said that I will have to take the motor off the boat and lay it down when I am doing the work .

 

[Bear]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

Follow the intructions in the manual. I don't think pulling the lower unit is necessary.<br /><br />I don't know about your engine, but I think it's a good idea to loosen (just loosen) the frozen bolt before you lift it from the transom.<br /><br />Anyone else who have done this before?<br /><br />Bear

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

On the OMC's you will have to pull the lower unit. And the mid section housing. It may be as simple as the nut on the bottom of the steering shaft is loose but getting to it is another matter.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[tlynch]

Re: Freeplay in upper engine mount.

I have a similiar problem on my 1985 Johnson 150 HP. The engine can rotate a few degrees in each direction without the steering arm moving at all. On this engine what is required to fix this?<br /><br />If this probelm were due to worn splines would the steering arm appear to be firmly fixed to the engine?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Todd Lynch