Expert: Jeff Grigg - 1/12/2008

Question
I have a 1988 Sea ox with a 1988 a mercury 150. The swivel bracket is frozen.I know this because I unbolted the steering cable and it spun with one finger on the wheel and I can't move the motor. My question is would you have a ballpark $$value on the repair bill.


Answer
Charlie, it would depend on any number of factors, but to do it 100% right it would not be cheap. It would entail a total dis-assembly of the midsection and removal of the powerhead.
The big question is how well the parts come apart. 20 years of rust and corrosion makes a big difference.

Before you go to that extreme you can try to fix it yourself.

Go to a local hardware store and buy a Mapp gas torch. It is similar to the common propane but burns much hotter.

Drain the carbs and remove the fuel line from the engine. Wash down the engine inside and out. Wipe any globs of old grease from the midsection. Do this in a well ventilated place. Make sure there are no gas fumes.

If you have the one piece cowl remove the small U shaped bottom cowl. If the two piece cowl, remove it.

Using the Mapp gas torch play the flame near the top of the swivel bracket, until you see a slight bubbling and oozing of grease, or a little "smoke". Have a helper try and move the engine back and forth. Do the same at the bottom of the swivel bracket. Do not get the swivel bracket so hot as to start melting the bushing inside or the grease to start burning with a flame.

What you are trying to do is to free any corrosion and soften up the old grease. Do this until you can move the engine back and forth freely.

Wait about 5 minutes for the swivel bracket to cool slightly but while still warm pump the grease fittings full of grease. If old grease oozes out all the better. Keep pumping grease in and move the engine all the way side to side until the grease oozes out clean.

Let the swivel bracket cool totally, occasionally moving back and forth. Once cool if it it is still stiff you will need to repeat the procedure or have the bushings replaced. If it moves OK now, leave the steering disconnected and move the engine back and forth while putting some new grease in once per day for a few days. Check again after a few days.

If this works make sure you grease the fittings once per month and wipe up any excess grease and move the engine weekly.
Jeff