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The interior of the steering tube on my '87 Johnson 225 has begun to rust enough from the salt water that it's starting to interfere with the smooth travel of the steering rod. Does anyone have an suggestions for a tool (improvised or other) that will allow me to clean the whole length of the interior of the tube and remove some of the oxidation so that it's at least a little more rust free and maybe a bit larger in diameter? Thanks.
Dave

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Dave,

The best way is to replace the tilt tube with a "Stainless Steel" tilt tube. Most of the older engines did NOT have a SS tilt tube. That's why they rust and corrode inside.

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Thanks Joe, any idea how involved a process that is? Not sure if the tube is pressed in or what's involved.

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It is a project but not that bad.

You need to hoist the engine to take the weight off of the engine brackets.
Loosen the mounting bolts.
Remove the steering cable.
Loosen and remove the large tilt tube nuts.
Slide out the old tilt tube.
You might want to replace the large nylon washers between the engine brackets.
Slide in the new SS tube.
Reinstall everything as it was.

I have done this before on a 70 hp Evinrude.
It really didn't take that long.
Look on BRP parts catalog website and you will see the parts involved. Especially the large nylon washers.

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Thanks Joe, I'll check BRP and see what's illustrated. I probably do need the washers too as a push is sometimes required to start the motor down from a full tilt. As always, appreciate the assistance!

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Seems like I'm missing something called a "wiper nut" that is recommended for salt water and seals the end that the steering rod comes out of...

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When you're finished with the boat, after the "rinse off", turn the steering wheel all the way to port, this slides the bar back into the tube, giving it "some" protection from rain, dirt, etc. while not in use. remember to grease all fittings at least once a week, no less than every 10 days, the "Whaler's" are low to the water and pick up a lot of "Back Splash" (at least on the "15' sport" it does).
mw

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I used a shotgun cleaning brush, 12 guage, and had good results. John

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Thanks for the replies. I found that a 1/2" copper water supply pipe actually fits inside the tube tightly enough to scrape the walls and clean it out sufficiently, freeing up the steering enough to be usable until I can pick up a stainless. Also going to get the wiper nut for the end of the tube to keep the weather out as I think that was a big part of the reason it oxidized inside. Just hoping the wiper nut has a zerk fitting so I can lube that end when it's all together.