Tohatsu Drag Link

spartacus · 24 April 2011, 19:03

Did a bit more work on the boat today and changed impeller, etc, and then connected the steering drag link. One query I have - is should the drag link connect on the steering arm in the hole closest to the engine. I did try this hole, and as far as I can see on the online Tohatsu manual it's this hole. However the stainless steel bolt looked like it would be stripped if I carried on, so I opted for the hole furthest away from the engine. It has a nylon locknut, etc.

Engine is 2006 Tohatsu 60C (2-stroke). Drag link is agenuine Tohatsu part too.

bosun · 25 April 2011, 15:18

Most engines have two or more holes,I don't know if there is a hard and fast rule but the further forward you put the rod on, the more leverage the steering will have on the motor hence it will make the steering lighter if further forward,won't effect the ratio though as it will still be the same number of turns lock to lock.
I usually put them on where the angles look right.
However fitting engines is a hobby not my job.
Others on here will know better!

9D280 · 26 April 2011, 12:09

The two holes are for a twin setup - one for the drag link, the other for the connecting bar.

How do you mean it looked like it woud strip the bolt? That would only happen if you tigthened it beyond the limit of the materials.

spartacus · 26 April 2011, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosun

the further forward you put the rod on, the more leverage the steering will have on the motor hence it will make the steering lighter if further forward

Cheers Bosun.

spartacus · 26 April 2011, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

The two holes are for a twin setup - one for the drag link, the other for the connecting bar.

How do you mean it looked like it woud strip the bolt? That would only happen if you tigthened it beyond the limit of the materials.

I tightened it in the hole closest to the engine and used a little marine grease to lube. However I was concerned that I'd end up stripping the thread on the nut as it seemed unusually tight, so I removed it and used the other hole instead.

9D280 · 27 April 2011, 08:15

Is the closest to engine hole threaded? I had a thing like that on the Yam - the tiller had one threaded and one not. I think the idea is you adjust the tightness of the joint using the bolt in the thread on the engine casting, then tighten the nut as a locknut to stop the bolt unwinding itself.

spartacus · 27 April 2011, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

Is the closest to engine hole threaded? I had a thing like that on the Yam - the tiller had one threaded and one not. I think the idea is you adjust the tightness of the joint using the bolt in the thread on the engine casting, then tighten the nut as a locknut to stop the bolt unwinding itself.

They're both threaded holes.

9D280 · 28 April 2011, 08:28

In that case my theory applies to both the link & connecting bars!

Which hole you use will be mildly irrelevant unless you have a second engine that also needs connected.

spartacus · 28 April 2011, 17:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

In that case my theory applies to both the link & connecting bars!

Which hole you use will be mildly irrelevant unless you have a second engine that also needs connected.

I may look at this again at the weekend. I'll try a little brut force, but if it damages the thread, I'll go back to the hole it's in.

spartacus · 28 April 2011, 21:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

In that case my theory applies to both the link & connecting bars!

Which hole you use will be mildly irrelevant unless you have a second engine that also needs connected.

Too nice a night to leave it until the weekend, so had another look. It's now fitted - so thanks for the help.

I'm assuming the first hole I had it in was for the connecting bar as you suggested for twin-outboard setup.