Expert: Everett Peacock - 3/20/2008

Question
I have a 1979 Ranger with a 1979 Johnson 150 It is very hard to steer.Is the steering and the trim run off the same fluid?The trim works perfect but I was told they run off same fluid and that those big moters are just hard to steer.Do you know anything I can do to make it a little better.And this boat does not have a kill switch is there any way to add one without replaceing the whole shefter control.   Thanks Rusty

Answer
The steering and the trim are two seperate systems. Does it have hydralic steering, if it does it should be easy. If it does'nt is it hard to steer while going or when sitting still?  If it is hard when running there is a trim tab on the lower unit above th prop that you can adjust to relieve some of the steering tourqe.  As for kill button at the engine the kill wire should be brown with a yellow strip.  you can put a switch in the circut