rotten steering arm

[looper power]

I have seen several steering arms rotten since I'v been tinkering lately and was wondering , why? bad zink tabs? both on x-flos and loopers. how hard is it to change one? powerheads gotta come off, but why the severe rust and rot?

 

[moderator1]

Re: rotten steering arm

If you're talking about the arm connected to the upper engine mounts, that's not all that uncommon.<br />The cast arms don't seem to have any safety issues, but the newer style arms are thinner and may be something to look close at if you notice corrosion.<br />I think we need to move this over to Outboard, non-repair...

 

[noelm]

Re: rotten steering arm

yep very common for all us saltwater boaters, you would think the price you pay for an outboard they could be made from some sort of 'miracle" non rusting material,but no, looks really bad on white motors as the rust sort of "runs" on the white paint and is very noticeable

 

[Scali]

Re: rotten steering arm

Last year the paint started to flake on my '94 Merc's steering arm, I scraped all of it off & applied POR 15 rust proof paint, came out great.<br />Also I always give it a shot with the hose in there & some silicone spray.<br />I believe with " saltwater series " outboards they are stainless steel or @ a better quality steel.<br />I think when an older saltwater outboard starts to have serious corrioson issues with the steering arm, they have to be torched off & it's time for the junk heap