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Mercury Quicksilver 17-826432A 2 — SWIVEL PIN/STEERING ARM

The reason I ask if these supplied stainless steering arms are magnetic, is that I have a steering arm that I believe to be stainless. But it is magnetic (a magnet sticks to it).

I was told by another boater that the stainless steel steering arms were 304 stainless, and that type isn't magnetic. I was also told by another friend that they are magnetic.


Generally speaking of the possible "types" of stainless steel these arms could be, the 300 series stainless (which contains nickel) is NOT magnetic. The 400 series (which just contains chromium and no nickel) ARE magnetic.

That said 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The "moly" is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and de-icing salts)

However I have spent hours researching this question on the internet and asking questions of friends and no one seems to be able to answer this question.

What are the stainless steering arms for mercury marine made of? 304, 316, or a 400 series?

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Part # 826432A 2 is for the stainless steel version of the swivel pin/steering arm.

I don't know what type of alloy the stainless swivel pin is made of but yes, some stainless steels are mildly magnetic. But it should be apparent if it is stainless or not as even magnetic stainless steel is no where near as powerfully attractive to a magnet as carbon steel.

Compare how much magnet sticks to your old swivel pin to how much it stick to the new one.

If the magnet sticks the same to both parts, you do not have a stainless swivel pin. If it sticks to the new part, but not as strongly, then you probably have the stainless steel part.

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Dang, I was still hopeful that it was stainless. But the stick is equal (as best I can tell) to the steel.
According to the websites the 400 series Stainless will be as magnetic as steel.
The strange thing is the silvery surfaces on the bolt lands. It has been stored outside in the rain and there is no rust on them. Living in Tacoma, especially this summer (if you want to call it that) the corrosion should be starting. Anyway the top of the pin/steering arm has corrosion, but it is different somehow, smooth, hard, thin and when scrapped it isn't red, but a dark brown. weird stuff which sent me into a quandary. Thanks Tom, I believe you. A little bummed, however life goes on and the Merc powered Outrage will fly again.

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the phrase you are looking for, when a magnet sticks to something, is "Ferrous"

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It is likely a non 300 series SS. (304, 316, 316L)
Expect rust in your future after exposure to salt water.
With 300 series you may be able to move the hardware with a magnet, but you can't pick it up with one. you can pickup none 300 series hardware with a magnet.

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No, "Ferrous" simply means containing iron. It has nothing (directly) to do with magnetism, though iron is magnetic.

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Update;
the steering pin, was the wrong one! Not only was it steel (other than stainless) It was too short. The upper mount section of the pin was set lower than the stock unit. So, I bought a good one from a very nice fellow who had it sitting around and it fit perfectly.
I intend to sell the other steering pin and swivel bracket soon. It is in perfect condition, so maybe someone can use it.

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Here is a link to an explanation of the magnetic properties of stainless steel http://www.wisegeek.com/is-stainless-...gnetic.htm

If you have a SS propeller, you will likely find it is quite magnetic. I use a magnet on mine to keep an orange surveyors ribbon on it to flap in the breeze while towing. For some reason that keeps other drivers from tailgating. Must be some subliminal message.

Randy

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UPDATE!
The motor work was a success and so finally I took the time to address the magnetism issue of the incorrect and the correct steering pin.
My original question was about the (first) purchased steering pin, with no information about it other than visually. I noted that it was magnetic and wondered if that was normal or not.

Well I place my small magnet on the known stainless steering pin that I installed on the motor and found it is! The Stainless steering pin IS Magnetic!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/77...3429_c.jpg

I then inspected the steering pin, that I couldn't use because it was the wrong part and it is also stainless. So I will now offer it for sale. However i need to identify what it fits for sure.

This is the as yet unidentified steering pin in the swivel bracket that is for sale.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/77...3424_c.jpg

note the short shoulder as compared to the removed steering pin.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/77...ba53_c.jpg

Also on the unidentified steering pin the upper mount is far different than my 1989 Merc 150's upper mounts. the mount is visible in the above picture, here is another view.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/77...11bb_c.jpg

Can anyone tell me which motor size/years this swivel and steering pin are from?