Replacing tiller handle washer on 2003 Merc 20 - too much play in tiller

[lakelover]

I want to replace one of the tiller washers (#26 in the diagram) on my Merc 20 because the original was made of plastic and broke and fell out. Because of this, there is play in the tiller arm and it doesn't stay in the up position when I pivot it up.

I'm thinking that I might be able to do it without removing the whole tiller assembly as is shown in the manual. Would I be able to get the tiller tube out of the arm, unhook the shift cables and stop switch, remove the arm and do it that way? How do the rubber throttle handle grip and throttle handle (#17, 18) come off? Is it even possible to do it this way?

Or is it better to unhook the cables at the power head and pull the whole assembly off to slip the new washer on?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Replacing tiller handle washer on 2003 Merc 20 - too much play in tiller

My tiller handle was broken and I had to replace the whole thing, it wasn't that hard, but I did it about 4 years ago and can't remember all the details, seems it was a tight fit and a bit of a hassle though. It didn’t seem like there was a shortcut. I did undo the cable under the cowl at the pulley. When I got mine apart the same plastic bushings were broken and so was part #13, I ordered them, but had to put it back together right away before they came in, they're still sitting on the work bench waiting for me to pull it apart again.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Replacing tiller handle washer on 2003 Merc 20 - too much play in tiller

Thanks, ondarvr. It's funny, one of the two orignial washers (26 & 28) is plastic and one is metal. The replacement they sent me was metal. It looks like sort of a touchy job without much in the way of clearances taking things apart. I can sort of see why you haven't got back at it.