Ok - I think I have really stuffed it now :-(
I banged too hard on the end of the tilt tube at stb side and flared/compressed the inner hole which is now too small to allow the cable end to pass through.
I was able to get the tilt tube back to where it should be, which shoudl solve my initial problem.
Now, I am stuck an even larger one.
Thoughts?
Splash
There's supposed to be a big nut on the both ends of the tilt tube.
Where did the port nut go to and how did you fit that little rubber thingy?
First clean it right up & see if you can get a nut on the port side.
Thoroughly inspect the starboard side tilt tube threads & hole for damage.
You can maybe hacksaw a very small amount off the end of the starboard side to give you a fresh start and use a round file to fix up the compressed part of the hole.
I just looked at mine and it appears you could cut maybe 1/8" off it and it would still be OK.
It all depends on the amount of damage, you may even have to fit a new tilt tube as a very last resort.
Could you have removed the port side nut when getting the old steering rod out then while you were hitting it you moved the whole tube?
Then didn't have any thread to refit the port side nut so you left it off?
It's got me beat what you fitted the little rubber thing to?
Clean both ends and take some clear close up pictures.
Check it all out on the BRP website for your motor Splash, look under 'mid section'.
Make sure both your thrust washers are still there.
Torque 24-26 ft/lbs then looosen one side by 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn.
IMG_0018_opt.jpgIMG_0019_opt.jpg
I think I need to totally remove the tube to ensure both thrust washers still exist. Otherwise, how do I check whilst tube is still installed?
As for the rubber thingy - I don't know. And, the pport side nut - I don't know either - Answer - Careless!
Time to smarten my act and do things properly!
How do I manage to get the tube right through to Port side without doing much more damage to starboard side of tube thread?
Splash
Get it all clean, I can clearly see my thrust washers & so will you, your starboard one will be there for sure unless you all but removed the whole tilt tube.
You do NOT want to pull that tube out unless there is no other alternative.
There's no point worrying about getting the tube back in or thrust washers until after you have made sure the damaged starboard threads and hole will be OK.
Thansk Fed,
I can confirm both thrust washers are in place.
I will clean the whole thing up and commence the operation on the starboard thread.
If I dremel the internal, would this still be OK (to make the internal diameter larger)?
Splash
I think you started to do some brain surgery to fix an ingrown toe nail!! the tilt tube is not hard to replace (or expensive) but you will need to support the motor, I think you have started attacking things without fully trouble shooting, another thing, please say you greased it all with proper marine grease, and not just water proof or cheap grease! or you will be doing it all again in a year or so. Now lets get back to the beginning, the steering turning one way further than the other is easy to fix, but we have to get back there again before we worry about that, I think seeing as the tilt tube is half out, and partially buggered, it would be wise to just get another one and be done with it. After it is replaced and all back together, then you can start on the steering again, does the motor move freely with no steering attached? if not, that is the first thing to do, then worry about the helm and cable.
Good, now you will need to get a port nut and you can use this nut to test the starboard thread and sure, a little dremel BUT it all depends on how bad it is burred over.I can confirm both thrust washers are in place.
It's hard to advise much further without seeing the condition of the tube ends.
You may be able to put a block of wood under the skeg and use the trailer jack to take some of the weight off the motor to assist pushing the tube back in.
You do realise that if you remove that tube completely your motor will try & fall off.
As Noelm said it's not the end of the world to have to replace it but if you have only done minor damage then you may not need to.
I had in my mind they were a couple of hundred bucks but that could be way out.
I've gotta say Splash, there's never a dull moment when you start repairing things, I mean that in the nicest way mate.
To replace the tilt tube, one of the best ways is to have the new one (or make a "special" tool) and use it to push the old one out, once you take some weight off the tube, it will slide out fairly easily! but for sure, see if you can repair it, you never know, and indeed, without the tilt tube in place, your motor will certainly fall off, and if it does not give you a Donald Duck foot, the steering will be the least of your worries, BE CAREFULL! best method for support is a chain block or engine hoist from the lift ring on the motor, rather than blocking it up from the leg.
thanks for your support Guys.
When I get home tonight, I will dremel a bit, and play.
The tilt tube needs about 2-3" to pop out at Port side. I can see and touch it from inside the transom plate hole. Pretty close!
I will buy some proper marine grease as well and lube the steering cable up before insertion into tube.
I will not attempt to remove tube at this stage :-)
Yeah - me and "repairing" things (and breakign more things along the way) - seems to be part of my slow learning curve, but I love getting dirty and becoming a grease monkey often! Helps me to de-stress after work... And, you will be suprised what I am actually qualified in too :-)
Splash
well.... tell us what you do, come on.
........... OK - I don't normally let people know what I do on these forums, but because you have all been very helpful, patient over the last 4 years, I will let you know.
Yes, I am a degree qualified Mechanical Engineer.
I know, I know, some will not believe me due to my ignorance over the years - but there it is....
Splash
OH, that's OK, we won't tell anyone, so an Engineer ay! I have been a few things during my working life, started as a radio technician, went onto marine sales and service, then back to TV repairs, then on to building, then on to computer support..... back to steering
Hi Noelm,
Yeah - I guess I just opened myself up for ridicule, but hey I don't mind...I am always learning.... :-)
You have had a colourful working life. Which has been your favourite vocation?
Splash
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