1987 Mercury 25 HP tiller steering issue

[jeepguy]

I have a 1987 Mercury 25 HP. It runs great, but last year it started to tourque to the right very hard. I have tightened the tensioning bolt, made sure the motor is centered on the transom, adjusted the trim tab. It was off center a little bit, I recentered it and it helped a bit, and tightening the tensioning bolt also helped. but it is still not that good, if I let go it makes a hard right. Any suggestions.

[marine_man]

You could try moving your trim pin up one hole. That probably will help your steering torque, but may make getting on plane take longer. Experiment with it and see what you find!

marine_man

[Finns]

You don't want the tab 'centered'. You want it to one side. Got this from my outboard service manual,

'If less steering effort is required in a starboard turn, move the trim tab slightly to starboard.

If less steering effort is required in a port turn, move trim tab slightly to port.'

[mtheis]

I have a newer (2004) Merc that is a 25hp as well. I do not know what a "tensioning bolt" is. Where can I fool with this adjustment? Can someone tell me?

Thanks.

[marine_man]

Look on the housing that your motor pivots about - there should be a bolt or spring loaded bolt in that area that you can tighten or loosen to adjust your steering tension.

marine_man