Steering arm help for my 1976 merc 650

[cldboater]

Got a 1976 merc 650 thunderbolt and i have a steering arm question.
Got the motor from a guy that had it on an old 50 - 60s runabout with the old style double cables and pulleys for steering

Put the motor on my 89 15' thundercraft. I cleaned out the pivot tube via drill and rotating steel brush. Greased it up pretty good and the steering cable went through and attached smoothly.

My question is that i hooked up a 12" steering arm and i can steer hard right just fine but not hard left

If i take the steering arm off the motor move effortlessly side to side.. hard right and left no sweat.

i also noticed that the cowl is rubbing on the arm. Not enough clearance. How do i go about finding the right steering arm for this motor . I would think that it can be used with my steering set up since i can attach it to the motor just fine

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering arm help for my 1976 merc 650

there are different lengths, and shapes of these steering arm. go to teleflex.com steering , instructions, should tell you correct arm, you have the wrong arm.

 

[cldboater]

Re: Steering arm help for my 1976 merc 650

thanks for the reply

Checked out the site and the arm kit says that they are only used for 1977 and newer

Took another look at it this morning...seems like the arm i have measures about 10.5 11 inches... seem like i need another inch, inch and a half

Its ok for now.. just need to make sure i give my self more room to steer left..


Talked with a couple local shops here this morning and they all seem to say that they have the right length but i might have to work out the clearance with the cowl on my own. I took my roto zip and shaved out a small corner peace of the cowl and that solved the clearance issue for the current generic arm i have

so wish me luck