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Don White

wrote:
On Thu, 03 Aug 2006 03:18:05 GMT, "D&LBusch"
wrote:

I have a 70 HP Yamaha OB on my Carolina Skiff. I have hydraulic steering

from the center console. The steering mechanism is frozen. The wheel

begins to turn, but since the rod and hydraulics that the motor move with
are stuck I don't want to force it. Everything looks fine. The boat has been
sitting for a few months. Anybody have any ideas on how to free up the
mechanism? Thanks in advance - David

99% of the time any problem like this is the tube that goes through
the motor. Some of the newer motors have a collar on the shaft side
you can remove and you might be able to work some oil into the tube. I
usually hate WD40 but it may do the trick for this. Loosen the
hydralic end and see if you can get the shaft moving by LIGHTLY
tapping on the end of the shaft with a block of soft wood and a mallet
while you are working oil or WD40 into the tube.
Once you get it out I have found a round wire brush on a 12" drill
extension will do a pretty good job of cleaning out the tube. I used
one made for 1/2" copper tubing fittings with the handle cut off. It
fit well in the drill extension. Chuck that up in your drill and go at
it until a rag pulls through clean. Lub it up with a good marine
grease and don't ignore it again. This should be part of your regular
maintenance. There is also an O ring in the collar. Replace that as
part of the maintenance. It's cheap insurance. The hardware store can
match it up. Get a few spares.

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