Mercury outboard steering locked...?

Question

getting my boat ready and the outboard steering is locked, I sprayed some brake cleaner on the rod and it looks relatively clean but it won't budge, suggestions and please be very specific.

Thanks

Answer 1

You might be able to bump it loose with something; however, it could lock up again while your running it and you could be in a turn when that happens.  I had to replace the steering cable on mine after it seized a couple of times.

Answer 2

Loosen the nut that holds the cable to the engine and knock the cable out of the steering tube with a hammer. Be careful not to bend the cable end where the steering arm is connected. If it is not moving you may have to heat the housing with a torch. Cleaning the cable is easy, use a solvent to remove the caked up grease. Extend the steering cable and clean the inside of the cable end Take a drill bit, 5/8 or 9/16, can't remember the size, and ream out the steering tube. You will be amazed at the c**p you get out. Now lube it all up (I like silicone grease) and reassemble. Worse case you will have to replace the entire steering/tilt tube and you would need an engine hoist for that to support the engine while you remove the tube.