Steering slop on a 3.0 EFI

[Ludicrous]

Don, I have a 99' 3.0 EFI with way too much slop in the steering. I was told it needs a new steering tube and some bushings. Is this something I can fix myself and what parts are needed? My wrenching skills are pretty good. Since the boat does close to 100 the current slop is unacceptable.

[EuropeanAM]

Just to clarify.... steering tube or SWIVEL PIN?

The SWIVEL PIN is a VERTICAL pin that goes through the swivel bracket (the bracket that your serial number tag is affixed to).

Steering tube is a HORIZONTAL tube that goes through both transom brackets, AND the swivel bracket.

Provided that you have an engine hoist, lifting ring, an OEM Service Manual, a good set of general hand tools, and the appropriate parts (with a moderate level of mechanical aptitude), it's quite possible that you can address these items yourself.

I'll be glad to assist you with any of the "OEM" items you'd need.

[Ludicrous]

Guess I need to check both. My guess is the steering tube but with the age and usage, probably time to inspect both and replace what needs replacing. I'll tear it down first and inspect the parts, what steering related issues have you seen on these motors? I'll be putting a new jackplate on also so now is the time to fix this. I'm off to work for the next 28 days but I have to tackle it when I get back if I want to use the boat on my two weeks off. I'll order parts from you when i find out what parts I need. Thanks Don.

[EuropeanAM]

Steering tube, swivel pin, swivel pin bushings/seals, engine mounts (upper and lower with appropriate hardware), driveshaft housing exhaust and water tube seals, adapter plate gasket, powerhead gasket, etc.

And if you're going to be in there this deep... be sure to clean out the idle relief passages for the tuner (see the following post):

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=637339

[Ludicrous]

Thanks for that link. I'll check that out also. The tuner was replaced but I have no idea how long ago. When I get the steering torn down I'll give you a ring for the parts!

[JAZII]

It will most likely be the STEERING SWIVEL PIN and LOWER YOKE. These parts used to be CARBON STEEL. Mercury now makes these out of STAINLESS STEEL.

JAZII

[Todd D]

The mounts are all solid in this motor ! I am pretty sure jason already replaced the lower yoke....... It looks to me to be the horizontal tilt tube that holds the 3 pieces of the clamp together.

[Ludicrous]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Todd D &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">The mounts are all solid in this motor ! I am pretty sure jason already replaced the lower yoke....... It looks to me to be the horizontal tilt tube that holds the 3 pieces of the clamp together. </td></tr></table>

I'd agree. I'll check everything else while I'm in the area though.

[kllr bee]

Not trying to butt in but could it be loose hydraulic steering. Is slack side to side or up and down. Hydraulic steering can be adjusted to tighten slack out.
Richard

[1outlaw]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by kllr bee &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Not trying to butt in but could it be loose hydraulic steering. Is slack side to side or up and down. Hydraulic steering can be adjusted to tighten slack out.
Richard</td></tr></table>

No.....I looked at it....I think its swivel pin and yoke..... I DID NOT install a yoke on that motor, it was a different 1 i did that too....The motor has solid mounts in it....The skirts need to be pulled off and lower mount covers to inspect before its tore down.