swivel bracket/housing mount

[mwm1179]

Hello All,

I have a 1988 Merc 115 hp Tower of Power. The upper bolts holding the motor to the swivel bracket appear to be loose. That is, if I stand at a 90 degree angle to the transom and push on the power head there is quite a bit of "play" side to side. There appear to be two bolts that run through the steering bracket into the housing between the exhaust extension and the upper drive shaft housing.

Is there any way to get at these short of pulling off the power head?

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: swivel bracket/housing mount

It sounds like the rubber mounts are shot. The only way to replace these is to pull the powerhead and exhaust extension.

 

[mwm1179]

Re: swivel bracket/housing mount

I was afraid of that. I've been studying the schematic and it does not look like a terribly complex project and I am fairly handy with a wrench. Is this a project I could take on and are there any problem areas to watch out for?

Thank for the input.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: swivel bracket/housing mount

Drop the gearcase, disconnect the electrical, remove cowling support and unbolt powerhead. Lift the powerhead straight up (I use garage door header. lag bolt and block and tackle). Now pull boat forward on trailer to clear suspended block and remove bolts on exhaust housing. Midsection should stay on, but will wiggle a bit.

New mounting bolts from Merc are $12+ ea. They are grade 8, 6" long, 7/16" fine thread, with nylon lock nuts (if I remember correctly). See if you can get them from a bolt place. it will save you $20 for the two bolts. The rubber mounts are sourced from Merc.