Outboard help needed.

[mklein@iowatelecom.net]

My most recent aquizition is nearly ready to set sail? I just mounted the motor that came with the boat on the back. The 9.8 Mercury Outboard however does not like to turn. The boat is a 1978 Mac 25. Do most people pin the motor and steer with the rudder? or should I replace the bushings? that hold the motor off the steering pivot?. If you have any experience with this, please chime in. Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[Fly_H23]

My outboard is a 96 Merc 9.9 and it has a friction lock lever to hold it straight when needed. It's located on the front of the motor just next to the tiller handle. There should also be a grease fitting you can squirt some lube to help it turn.

 

[kenn]

My outboard is a 96 Merc 9.9 and it has a friction lock lever to hold it straight when needed. It's located on the front of the motor just next to the tiller handle. There should also be a grease fitting you can squirt some lube to help it turn.

In addition to the above, most small outboards have a friction adjust (wingnut or knob) which sets the effort needed to steer with motor. I set ours (5hp Suzuki) snug enough to stop the motor turning by itself, but still possible to steer with in close quarters. I also grease it annually so that it does turn when we want it to.

 

[Freedom77]

Unless absolutley necessary I keep motor in place and steer with rudder. Merc 9.8 is a good size for the V-25. Fair Winds and Full Sails...

 

[Joe Diver]

My little Yammy 5HP has a friction lock. I keep it just enough to hold the motor straight, normal steering with the rudder....but in close quarters like my slip at the marina, I can turn the motor as needed to make tight, slow turns.

 

[Merlin Clark]

If it's not the friction lock (screw or lever) it might just be old grease binding up the verticle pivot shaft.
I had this problem with a Johnson 9.9 and was able to get it loosened up by using a heat gun on the verticle tube that the pivot shaft goes thru. Apply heat until the part is good and warm and then wiggle it back and forth until it's free. Grease the fittings, should be at top and bottom.

 

[mklein@iowatelecom.net]

I have not seen a friction lock. I will look again. But the tiller handle on the power head seems to be sitting on the pivot point. Aluminum is rubbing off where there is direct contact. I think there must be a worn out or missing bushing there. Any one had this apart?

 

[Brian Schwerdt]

Once underway, I will lock the motor and use the rudder. However, it sure is nice at low speeds in a tight marina to be able to turn the motor. That is certainly not strictly necessary though (most inboards I know of cannot vector-steer a boat).

 

[RichB]

There must be a manual available online. That is a must have item if you don't want to feed the local shop 100 dollar bills. It will pay for itself quickly.

 

[pstrman]

I just bought a Merc 9.9 for my sailboat. It was previously on a boat that had remote steering and they removed the steering friction device and now it won't stay straight. Anyone know where I can get one?

Thanks, Bryan

 

[Merlin Clark]

I just bought a Merc 9.9 for my sailboat. It was previously on a boat that had remote steering and they removed the steering friction device and now it won't stay straight. Anyone know where I can get one?

Thanks, Bryan

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury_mercruiser_hp/MERCURY/1993.cfm
has illustrated parts breakdowns for Merc motors. Select year, HP and model and then check the different sheets for the part/s.
These guys are a local (to me) company that deals in used OB parts:

New - Used Outboard Motor Parts - Marine Parts Outlet
Funtime Boats: toll free866)538-6846 or Marine Parts Outlet: toll-free866)627-7278 ... Funtime Boats 1872 E. Merritt Island Causeway Merritt Island, FL 32952 321-453-1111
marinepartsoutlet.com

Good luck!

 

[Ron20324]

...they removed the steering friction device and now it won't stay straight. Anyone know where I can get one?

Isn't it just a bolt or thumbscrew?

 

[FourPoints]

Mine's just a bolt with a spring for a washer. I have elecrtic start and remote throttle and shift controls in the cockpit, and don't even have a tiller on the engine, so mine is always locked straight.

 

[pstrman]

There is nothing where the friction lever should be. The motor turns left and right with nothing to stop it. I found out I can order one when I get the serial number off the motor.

Thanks for the help.

Bryan