Recent content by Ben Heiser

Update, winterizing the boat I took the cable out of the tube and loosened the tube on the outboard. Put it all back together and right now. Cable doesn’t move in nut at all. Must be internal of the nut not seated on the tube correctly? Not sure but good now

I did try to tighten the nut and the play remained. I didn’t back it off and then re-tighten though, I may try that next.

I think after looking and thinking about how much play in the helm there is I might as well spend the $250 in parts on a new helm and cable. I believe it’s original. I sometimes read that the motor had to be lifted to get the cable out of the tilt tube...but it looks like a fairly straight shot...

We bought our 97 208 with the original Merc to get into boating. We wanted a top tier boat that could get us started to see how we would use it. If we loved this boat a repower is in order....or, we move it and upgrade. So as we have been learning about boating we know 2 things: 1. I like...

Exactly my thoughts, keep an eye on it...there is play up at the helm as well but the steering is smooth as glass. The previous owner had it well lubed! I maybe feel it a bit at idle leaving the launch but never at high speed. Wife and I agreed after 24 months with this boat we will repower...

I just noticed cleaning the boat the other weekend that the steering cable housing can move in and out of the the large nut that is attached to the steering tube. It can move in and out just a bit more then an 1/8”...not sure why? Boat is new to me this year, steering isn’t tight at all and...

Looks like my movement is just the splines in the lower yoke. All bushings are tight and the only movement is relative to yoke and shaft. Looks like a huge job to replace...and movement is minimal and maybe I am anal May plan: keep and eye on it and lube it and see how it does. Sounds like...

I hold for about 8 seconds and use 1/2 throttle to start. I just didn’t have enough throttle... it’s not a lot. The splines are still engaged but you can tell it’s a 23 year old outboard. I think I’ll just keep an eye on it. Always good to hear someone else notices it as well.

All: New to boat ownership...had a great Saturday outing trolling for Striper off of Chesapeake Beach with my 208 and some buddies with a bit more experience. After I got home, was finished flushing the saltwater out of the motor I noticed when trimmed up it had a bit of movement relative to...

Yup, ram rotated down just fine and the tilt cylinder seals all replaced. The only odd thing was the scraper seal in the cap (the one that is visibile) didn't take much force to press in....I'll have to just watch it and if it starts to push out I'll put some Loctite around it and push it back...

I could pull the whole assembly, but that also involves removing the starboard engine bracket. Mercury did not make this servicing easy...which was what I originally ran into with the trim motor. The hydraulic line, is in the base of the cylinder in the pin. The cylinder should rotate OK...

I bought a Carver from Boat Covers Direct. Great service as the motor cover wasn’t completely sewn when received and they fixed within 5 days. So far so good, but no snow in SE Pennsylvania this year. I put my bimini down though...

Well, I was able to get the trim motor replaced without removing the starboard bracket from the boat. I purchased a 6” long 6mm Allen with a 3/8 socket on it....knocked the socket off and used a 1/4 socket on it and was able to get to the rear bolt. Success! Now I have realized the tilt...

I am fearing the rust on the outside means it’s working it’s way inwards...if I am wrong correct me. When I say motor plate I mean RH side mount bolted to transom. As for trying to get to the bolt before removing anything...I will be just hoped someone had attempted it prior! Also, seems a...

All: The top of my trim motor is getting corroded...looking to do some spring preventative maintenance and change it. Looks like a PIA. The service manual says to remove the right side motor plate to get to the rear bolt...wondering if taking the pin out of the trim cylinder and rotating the...