Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Gamalot on 05/19/11 - 5:28 AM

1984 Ev 90 V4.

What should the steering/tilt tube look like inside? Is it supposed to be smooth and shiny or does it have some knurling in it to allow for grease to spread around?

I did have to pound the steering shaft out when I replaced the cable and I have used a 12 gauge shotgun cleaning brush to clean the inside of the tube. It looks clean but it is not a shiny, smooth surface inside. Should this part be replaced now?

Posted by whalerman on 05/19/11 - 6:46 AM

Hi, I believe the tilt tubes were teflon coated for corrosion control back then. If the outer,expossed, tube is rusty/corroded- replace it now as it's mostly apart. If it's just the inside then, get a tube of tripple guard grease from the Evinrude dealer and a METAL wiper nut for the steering ram that has a grease fitting on it and place that on the port side where the steering ram comes out of the tilt tube, grease everything well, be sure to have rags handy, and put it back together and besure to grease the steering ram atleast twice a year, two or three shots worth. You should be fine then.

Posted by Gamalot on 05/19/11 - 7:14 AM

The outside looks fine. It could be the teflon coating inside that appears to be shedding. As I look at it from inside the boat the left side where the steering ram goes in the tube seems to have some rust right in the beginning but it looks good further in. On the right side where the ram comes out there are no threads exposed for the wiper nut to go on. I suppose I could adjust that to get a few threads by relieving the other end some.
I see on Ebay I can buy Stainless steel tilt tubes but I just don't know if any of this is even necessary.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 05/19/11 - 10:34 AM

I would suggest buying a new stainless steel one.

I did what you are doing once and the following year the steering arm was frozen again inside the tube.
I have no idea why or how that happened as the inside of the tube was clean when I put it all back together.

Never again....

Posted by Derwd24 on 05/19/11 - 11:24 AM

That's a good call Gary, especially if you plan on keeping the engine for a while. Consider also picking up a wiper nut for the threaded end of the new tilt tube as Thom suggests, especially if you boat in salt water. When you reassemble, you can lube it up good with marine grease and the wiper nut will keep everything well protected.

Edited by Derwd24 on 05/19/11 - 11:26 AM

Posted by Gamalot on 05/19/11 - 11:38 AM

Thanks Dave and Thom, I will try to find the wiper nut with grease fitting if I can.

Gary

Posted by Joe Kriz on 05/19/11 - 11:48 AM

You can see the Steersman Nut at the bottom of this FAQ by Phil.
http://www.whalercentral.com/faq.php?...p?cat_id=4

Replacing the tilt tube is a great idea. No one wants to take it apart again in a year or two unless they like do the same job over and over.

Posted by Gamalot on 05/19/11 - 12:06 PM

I bought my helm and cable at Lowcostboating.com and just got done ordering the nut with grease fitting from them.

I agree Joe, I usually get things done right the second time I do them but I will do as you say and do it right the first time.

Gary