HELP!

Rusty - I unbolted the mid-section (1996 200 hp) and got the big 1 7/8 in nut off. I just could not get the botton bracket that bolts to the lower mounts off. I assume it is supposed to just fall or slide off!! I hammerd it (with a piece of wood over it); it only moved about 1/8 in. Then I tried to pry it with the straight end of a crow bar - to no avail. Appears to be seized on, probably from use in salt water. The upper bushings under the tiller of the swivel bracket are bad - there is a lot of play in the tiller - so I need to get the tiller off to put new bushings in there and seals to I guess. How ???????????????

Gary, the 1-7/8 nut may be the cause of the play, it has to be tight....REAL tight.

Under the bracket that you are trying to get off there is a tapered washer...only way I can explain it........try getting it off first, a couple of screw drivers and walk it off, This is a salt water motor Right?

Most times if the motor shakes back and forth (like the upper motor mount is gone) the 1-7/8 nut is loose, I use a 1/2 inch air impact and hold it until it stops turning to tighten this nut. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

THANKS Rusty - I couldn't see a washer under there so I didn't think there was one - will try to pry it off. I can take the tiller arm and move it quite a bit - the upper part of the swivel seems real loose - If I can get it all off I have the new bushings and seals. Yes - salt water - the lower bracket seems saized - I would imagine that it should normally almost fall off. If I continue to have trouble I will screw a 2X4 onto that bracket so I can work the bracket side to side to loosen it.

There was/is also up and down play there. ie - you could push the motor up and down - now - if the upper and lower mount bolts have to be exactly the same distance when I bolt it back up - I am still going to have that looseness/play there. So I must be missing or need a washer or 2 in the swivel?

There is up and down play on all of them, this is normal.

THANKS I am glad you told me that before I stacked washers in there or try to tighten that nut and thinking there is a problem that it won't go up further!! .There must be a reason for the up and down play in the pivot?? !! Rained out on weekend - will take another look at it when it clears outside. You have saved me some frustration !