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Mercruiser alpha 1 genII drive steering stiff

V

vroomZOOM

Regular Contributor
Hello

Just got a boat, unknown history, the engine starts and its not cracked, but the steering was stiff, so I took the pin out that connects the cable/sleeve thingamagigy at the transom, and the steering wheel turns easy - problem solved uuh wait not actually - the drive is pretty hard to move side to side so there is some pivot point where it is jammed, but I don't see any grease zerks. the gen I I had had a fitting right on the top, but this one doesn't have any. how the crap do I lubricate it/unjam it?

Thanks
 
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vrmzoom
I had the same problem in a boat that I just bought 2004 bayliner with 3L mercruiser. The problem was dry hardened grease at the back end of the steering cable. I couldn't find a grease zerk either. I corrected by liberally applying wd-40 to the shaft where it slides into the tube, then turning the wheel, then wiping the shaft, then doing it again. There is an article on utube that describes taking it apart, and swabbing the dried grease out from inside the tube. I applied lube to the outside of the shaft and turned the steering back and forth. This worked for me, but probably not a technical way.
 
Dont know what pin you refer too but if it is the pin thru the end of the steering cable ,then pull the drive and check for frozen U joints from water entry
 
Sorry forgot to mention that it is not a power steering model. I took out the pin that connects the cable to the clevis to isolate the two systems so I could find which part is defective. the steering wheel/cable/sheave part is good. the drive swivel though is stuck. do I need to buy those $500 tools to pull the transom apart just to lubricate the stupid joint? tried wd - no use. only heat got it a little looser, but when it cooled down it went back to stuck.
 
Ok, so I just pulled the drive, and the U joints and parts inside it are in BRAND NEW condition - not even a speck of rust or water. of course the joints, therefore, swivel really easy - and the helmet is nearly impossible to move. how do I clean and grease that hinge??????
 
using a puter the link works fine,did you remove pin B in post 6 and the housing is still a bear to turn?
The upper bushing is on;y a 1/2 inch wide and doubtful it can seize the drive. The lower pin goes thru a bushing or needle bearing and is am inch in length and doubtful it can jam up a drive
how to upload photo to internet
 
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With an unknown history and most likely no on water test the PO could have done a number of things.Some clear pics might help figure it out.
 
Drive is not seized, it is just very hard to turn, feels like old grease is in there with no lubricating qualities. will post a pic or two now.
 
IMG_4245.jpgIMG_4248.jpgIMG_4250.jpgIMG_4252.jpg


The first pic is the top of the helmet. the second is the u joints on the drive, the next is the lower hinge, and the last is the engine side of the transom.
 
The salt deposits(white stuff) suggests the seal was leaking but even with that the bushing is only a 1/2 inch wide.
I would spray the area of the steering arm from the inside to try and get it free.Avoid heat ,you may damage the seal I do have some pics to install that missing grease fitting without a full removal
 
as for a PO, this is an auction boat so I have no idea who he was. got the boat as is but REALLY cheap. ( or at least I think so)
 
White looking stuff is all corrosion where the paint chipped away - maybe it has salt. I am not local to the area where I bought the boat (Hudson river). took an 8 hour drive each way to pick it up. idk is the hudson river salt water? there was a LOT of fouling on the drive when I got it. power washer helped a lot lol
 
ok, I did a bit of research and it seems like one of the swivel pins is the culprit. is there any way to replace the lower one without cutting the transom assembly or pulling the engine out? I can tap it out the bottom but the bellows are in the way to swing a hammer. could I possibly tap it out the top? thanks
 
Uh oh... after a couple of stupid moves I finally got the lower pin out... surprise! it was in good condition :( That is pretty bad, because it means I will have to take apart the upper pin. I don't want to drill holes so the only option here is to pull the engine and transom housing. is there any glue holding the transom assembly onto the boat, and any tips for ripping it off? this stupid stiff steering thing is going way too far lol. Now I can paint the parts though. what paint should I use? I have access to a heated spray booth. thanks
 
Thats whats stumping everyone the upper surface is a thin brass bushing and should never get corroded that tight
Pull the motor, pull the inner plate, remove the trim lines from the pump, remove the bolts/nuts ,remove the outer housing
Housing has a rubber gasket that calls for no sealant but a touch of Black RTV cant hurt
 
Bt Doctur said:
Thats whats stumping everyone the upper surface is a thin brass bushing and should never get corroded that tight
Pull the motor, pull the inner plate, remove the trim lines from the pump, remove the bolts/nuts ,remove the outer housing
Housing has a rubber gasket that calls for no sealant but a touch of Black RTV cant hurt
Click to expand...

what is black rtv? there is red and blue, and some kind of black silicone maybe is what you meant?
 
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