Hi all, first post here so here it goes

I am having problems fitting the steering to a 90hp mercury blueband outboard (1985). The hole the steering cable should go through seems to be too small or rusted. When I try to put the rod in it gets stuck around 6 inches in. I dont think it is rust as it stops dead as if it is the wrong size but I thought these were standard.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks in advance