Hard turning Force 125

[cdc19709]

I have a 1985 Force 125 outboard that is very stiff to turn. I thought it was the steering cable but when I unhook the cable at the motor, the wheel turns easy so it has to be the motor. I tried greasing everything I could but did not seem to help. Has anyone else had this problem and how do you fix it without bringing in to the dealer who will try to sell me a new motor?<br />Thanks!<br /><br />Craig

 

[Waterbugtoo]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

Did you unhook the link arm, or disconnect the steering cable at the large nut?

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

Hi CDC, the engine turns on a king pin. I can offer a couple of suggestions. When you grease it do you see grease ooze out around the motor swivel point at BOTH ends? The manual shows 2 fittings for the swivel bracket. Given the age of the motor the grease may have hardened and prevents new grease from getting to the swivel points OR if the grease doesn't ooze out the zerk fittings may be frozen, You can usually fix them by pressing in on the center of the grease fitting with a small pointed tool and maybe a little tap with a hammer, this should break the spring loaded ball bearing loose, then try greasing them again. If that doesn't work the fittings screw in and are easily replaced, same size as cars, be real careful to not cross thread them. Try this and let the us know how you make out.

 

[cdc19709]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

I took off the link arm. As far as the grease fittings go, I can get grease out of the top point, but not out of the bottom. The top fitting came out after I removed the grease gun. I think it stripped the threads with it too. Do they make a over size grease fittings to repair stripped threads?<br />Thanks!<br /><br />Craig

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

Hi Craig, obviously the bottom grease fitting is the reason the engine won't turn easily so you found the problem. It's hard to imagine it's stripped just from greasing it, it may have been loose and simply fell out. Clean the top grease fitting threads and see what they look like, if they're okay then the threads in the engine should be okay. If it's actually stripped in the engine part you might get lucky by using a thread tap and carefully clean up the threads. If you have never done this find someone who knows how, it's not rocket science, but it's tough what with the angles you must work with, it's always easier with the part in a bench vise. It has to be done right the first time or it gets worst, like having the tap break in the threaded hole. The bottom grease fitting needs to be fixed as per the above message or removed and cleaned, or just replaced. I have no idea of your level of expertise so excuse me if I explain this in too much detail. One hint, always start any threaded part by hand until it gets going smoothly. Try this and get back to this forum. Good luck and work carefully. Ken

 

[cdc19709]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

Thanks Ken, I will give it a try. I will get back to you when I figure it out.<br /><br />Thanks again!<br /><br />Craig

 

[radsrh]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

One thing to add, after you replace the top fitting and still have the bottom out, pump the heck out of the top fitting with fresh grease and try to push some of the garbage out of the bottom hole.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

also mught want to use carb cleaner and clean the area up a bit!

 

[sony2001]

Re: Hard turning Force 125

You could warm up the bottom grease nipple with a cigarette lighter, then the shaft with a B&D Heatgun for stripping paint. By then the shaft should accept the grease. In resetting the upper nipple I would put some plumber's teflon tape around the threads before screwing it in the casing.