1998 75HP Force 2 stroke - steering question - safe to boat?

[old school]

Great forum, helped me make transom repairs to my 1992 Sea Nymph (tin boat)

After using the boat after the transom repair and while flushing the OB (we only boat in salt water) - I notice a keeper ring/retainer ring has fallen down from the bottom of the steering tube/shaft

Some boats have a spring retainer but this one has a big old brass (or equivalent) ring that fits into a groove on the bottom of the steering tube/shaft

Close inspection showed that the bottom of the steering tube is rusting away and that is why the retainer fell off (not much of a groove left)

QUESTION - my pal and I have examined the motor and the way we figure it (yes, that is how most trouble starts) as long as the OB is always straight down and not pushing the boat while it is tilted slightly we think it is safe to use (IS IT?) - we just can't see how the steering shaft can ride up - we can't believe that just that little retainer keeps the whole shaft in place

I know the best solution is to fix it but after a costly transom repair I would like to be able to use it for a while and save up a bit of cash (but NOT at the expense of putting friends and others at risk)

See pics - appreciate your input

 

[sarabande]

I suspect that the thrust of the propeller will cause the bottom end of the shaft to press heavily against the for'd part of the structure where the ring was, and bind or cause distortion and further damage to the leg.

I reckon it needs fixing before you use it again.

 

[old school]

thanks sarabande, the ring is ...

the ring/groove it sits in hangs below the housing as that is what the ring would hit against (I suspect) if you tried to move the shaft upwards (probably why it rusted so bad in the 1st place - plus when you hose the boat off with fresh water you actually need to get down and point the water up to get to it)

i called a boat yard and they said they would have a look (but it'll cost me a day's wages)

 

[propnut]

I think what you are showing in your pics is the gear change shaft.If so should not affect the steering.As ever if you are not sure about it show to engineer

 

[VicS]

The little shaft you can see running through the ring is I think the gear change shift rod but the ring I think must be the retaining ring from the bottom of the steering swivel pin.

The shift rod passes down through the centre of the steering swivel pin.

 

[old school]

thank you gents - you are right - small rod is shifter ...

and shifter rod runs up thru the shaft to power head/motor

Since the end is so corroded a mechanic friend suggesed I drill a hole across what is left and put in a cotter pin - he said it should accomplish the same job as the retainer ring (he did say TWICE that he is NOT A BOAT MECHANIC)

There is about .75 cm of the shaft end left so I am going to try and drill it and insert a cotter pin

I will post how it turns out and a pic in case this happens to someone else

 

[sarabande]

total misinterpretation of the picture on my part. My bad ! Sorry.

 

[old school]

finally figured it out - thank you Frank!

Frank has the same outboard as we do and he knows a lot about his motor - here is his recommendation - we will continue boating and greasing the outboard after every use ...

Now I need to get dressed and check my 75. The kingpin (steering tube) is usually clamped to the lower motor mount. See first photo, piece with two bolts, right above speedometer tube.

As such, the kingpin is solidly attached to the engine lower pan and motor mounts. SO, it turns with the engine leg while the yoke and mounting clamps stay stationary.

I don't think there is any danger at all of losing the kingpin or it riding--either up or down. I don't think you need to drill and insert a cotterpin unless it makes you feel better. Replacing it by removing the powerhead is going to be costly in labor and possibly wasted money.

HOWEVER: with that much corrosion, there is a excellent chance that the yoke is corroding inside too. Eventually, you may find steering getting tight and that is when replacing the kingpin becomes a miserable job.

If at the current time you are not having any steering problems, keep the yoke well greased--do it three or more times a season and it would not hurt to do it every week. Hopefully this will forestall any problems later on.


Thank you for everyone's replies and HAPPY BOATING!