hard to steer 1990 Evinrude 150

[Lisa Nichols]

I have a 1990 Evinrude XP 150 HP. The steering is very stiff. The steering friction screw is out at this time. It was loose and we couldn't figure out what it was, so in the process it came out. (steering was stiff before the screw came out). It is completely stripped about 1/4 inch up at the tip of the screw and won't go back in. I don't know if this is the problem or if it is the cables. I have greased the steering tubes on the motor and that didn't help. Any suggestions? Also, do you guys have any suggestions on converting it to hydraulic steering and where I might find info? Thanks, L

 

[angus63]

Re: hard to steer 1990 Evinrude 150

Welcome<br />First of all, are you sure you lubed the STEERING on the motor and not the TILT tube. The fitting for the steering is located under the swivel trailering bracket. Pump it good until fresh grease shows up top and bottom if possible. The horizontal tube in front of the mottor has fittings for the tilt.<br />Second, to verify if the motor or cable is giving you too much resistance, diconnect the steering at the motor, check the wheel for resistance and swivel the motor manually. The one that feels stiff is the problem. Most likely the steering tube that goes thru the mounting bracket is the culprit. Try some penetrating oil on the exposed section of the steering rod when the wheel is hard over and work it in and out many times. Clean the rod and lube it with a light oil. <br />Let us know what happens and we'll go from there.<br />Good luck

 

[Dhadley]

Re: hard to steer 1990 Evinrude 150

Welcome LA!!<br /><br />Where is this steering friction screw you mention?

 

[Lisa Nichols]

Re: hard to steer 1990 Evinrude 150

Thanks very much for the warm welcome! <br /><br />ANGUS thanks for the info. I did grease the tilt, but also oiled the exposed parts of the steering tube. Can't start back on it until this weekend, but will let ya know when I find something out. Any ideas about the friction screw? Could this be any part of the problem? <br /><br />Dhadley, it is located on the bottom side of the steering column (at 6 o'clock position)right under the steering wheel, but on the top side of the console (not under the dash....so to speak).

 

[Dhadley]

Re: hard to steer 1990 Evinrude 150

Ok, cool. I was hoping thats what you were refering to. No big deal, dont worry about it. We dont need that anyway -- its for trolling type running.<br /><br />Is the motor hard to turn in both directions? And is it hard only when moving? Or hard even when sitting still?

 

[Lisa Nichols]

Re: hard to steer 1990 Evinrude 150

So the steering friction screw is for when you're trolling only? Didn't have a clue!!<br />Motor is hard to turn in both directions when moving and sitting still. Also seems to not want to turn as far in one direction.