Honda 50hp Stiff Steering

Landlockedpirate · 01 July 2013, 22:05

Looking for a little help with a '99 Honda 50hp 4 stroke long shaft.

Dad's bought the above engine on a boat in Spain but the engine steering appears to be seized solid. He has disconnected the steering but he still cant move the engine. The boat has sat for about 18 months without use.

Any ideas ?I will fly out next week and would like to get a head start.

Thanks

Locozodiac · 02 July 2013, 19:25

All engines have lube nipples on upper or lower swivel bracket, if lube is dried, engine won't turn freely, re lube well with grease pistol swivel bracket lube points untill grease exits through lower and upper steering shaft's bushings.

Also check if engine has a swivel bracket controller (usually a bolt) probably is adjusted very tight, release tightness accordingly untill a slight load is achieved when turning engine sideways.

Happy Boating

Peter_C · 02 July 2013, 20:47

Steering cables fail often, as they are designed to do so you have to buy another. I like to put a zerk fitting onto the cable end so the cable itself can be lubricated, but it does take some finesse not to damage the cable.

Locozodiac · 02 July 2013, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_C

Steering cables fail often, as they are designed to do so you have to buy another. I like to put a zerk fitting onto the cable end so the cable itself can be lubricated, but it does take some finesse not to damage the cable.

Apparently the steering cable has been released from engine, if so, It's just a swivel bracket out of lube or excessive swivel load that's seizing the engine.

Happy Boating

whisper · 02 July 2013, 21:00

Not sure how you would go about freeing it, on a steering cable you just poor over hot water near the large nut on the outboard, however I'm not so sure that would be successful on the main steering pivot.

If the grease has got dry you need to get it soft again and then pump in new grease, but the question is how?

Heat gun or hairdryer??? But i guess you would try to pump in new grease first just incase that works?

Peter_C · 03 July 2013, 06:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

Apparently the steering cable has been released from engine, if so, It's just a swivel bracket out of lube or excessive swivel load that's seizing the engine.

Happy Boating

Doh! My reading comprehension was down today.

My recommendation would be to push as much grease as possible into the zerks, and see if it can be loosened up. If still stiff, then disassemble the engine pivot bracket.

yam man · 03 July 2013, 08:18

Lightly Heat the steering bracket , then pump some grease in the .grease will melt acting as lube .

Pikey Dave · 03 July 2013, 16:01

Where's a Honda expert when you need him? Oh! I forgot, he only advises on Etec problems

matt h · 03 July 2013, 17:33

Is there only one? i know they are not that popular but one expert??

paddlers · 03 July 2013, 17:41

Go steady with the heat because some have a fibreglass or nylon shim at the bottom !

Landlockedpirate · 03 July 2013, 17:56

Cheers guys, so the consensus is gentle heat followed by a lot of grease pumping.

Ive packed the hot air gun, not sure what sleazy jet will makeof it !

Locozodiac · 03 July 2013, 18:40

Apart finding dried grease inside swivel brack, expect to find lots of salt layers/crusts inside both bushings. In that case will need to remove entire swivel bracket, clean well all related sliding parts and fully lube swivel's bracket interior with a proper water grease. Lay down engine on floor and remove bracket.

happy Boating

jyasaki · 05 July 2013, 21:11

Don't go crazy with the heat; I think there are various rubber sealing things in there that you probably don't want to melt.

jky