Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by markvm on 09/11/10 - 7:16 AM

Can anyone offer a suggestion on freeing up the turning on my 69 Merc 350. Used to turn great, and sat for two weeks on the trailer and now it barely moves. I removed the steering cable and that is very smooth and operating well. The engine won't turn on the mount without great force. Help!

Posted by Phil T on 09/11/10 - 7:42 AM

If the steering cable is removed and the engine will not turn smoothly, it is the "pivot" that needs grease.

Check for grease fittings on the front side of the pivot. Apply a marine grease until you see new grease come out.

Posted by Ric232 on 09/11/10 - 12:17 PM

Is there a friction adjustment that you would normally use for a tiller model? If so, maybe somebody messed with it and tightened it up.

Posted by markvm on 09/11/10 - 2:15 PM

Thanks guys, I got a grease gun and a tube of marine grease from the Auto Parts store. On my model there is a small nipple on the pivot sleeve with a cap on it. I had removed the cap and thought it was some kind of bleeder valve, but after a lot of experimentation including removing it, I realized it is for adding grease. the grease gun even came with a nozzle that fits right on to it. After a few pumps the grease started coming out the bottom of the pivot. If that is not supposed to happen please let me know. The pivot is considerably looser now and I just had a run with much improved steering. It is not super loose but much better.

Posted by CES on 09/11/10 - 3:42 PM

You did it correctly. Grease coming out of another areas means that you're likely full of grease.

Posted by Phil T on 09/11/10 - 3:53 PM

After a few outings, give it some more grease. Exercising the pivot can work the old, dry grease. By adding more you can force it out so only fresh grease is there.

I lube my engine in the fall and again in the middle of the season. One or two pumps is all it takes.

Edited by Phil T on 09/11/10 - 3:54 PM

Posted by MW on 09/12/10 - 1:17 AM

I grease my engine about every 10 minutes now after I paid for that seize up years ago on my old motor. Seriously, I grease about once a week, I also leave room when I winterize w/ the boat cover so that I can turn the steering wheel once a week (keeps steering cable moving and lubed/ unfrozen). If the grease came out, you're doing it right, their should be 2 grease fittings on the pivot tube, and 2 grease fittings on the tilt tube, get 'em all, and twice as often as you think that they should be greased.