Maintenance Instructions - Mercury Optimax 115 Service Manual

NOTE: Cable attaching nuts with a "V" groove around the outer circumference of the nut
are self locking and do not require locking sleeves.
After installation is complete [and before operating outboard(s)], check that boat
will turn right when steering wheel is turned right and that boat will turn left when
steering wheel is turned left. Check steering thru full range (left and right) at all
tilt angles to assure interference-free movement.

Maintenance Instructions

Maintenance inspection is owner's responsibility and must be performed at intervals spe-
cified, following:
Normal Service - Every 50 hrs. of operation or 60 days (whichever comes first)
*Severe Service - Every 25 hrs. of operation or 30 days (whichever comes first)
*Operation in a salt water area is considered "Severe Service."
1. Carefully check steering system components for wear. Replace worn parts.
2. Check steering system fasteners to be sure that they are torqued to correct specifica-
tions.
NOTE: Ride-Guide Steering Cables are lubricated at the factory and require no additional
lubrication at initial installation.
Core of each steering cable (transom end) must be fully retracted into cable hous-
ing before lubricating cable. If cable is lubricated while extended, hydraulic lock
could occur.
3. With core of Ride-Guide Steering Cable (transom end) fully retracted, lubricate tran-
som end of steering cables thru grease fittings (a) with 2-4-C w/Teflon (92-825407A2).
Lubricate exposed portion of cable ends (b) with 2-4-C w/Teflon.
4. Lubricate pivot point (c) of steering link rod and ball joint (d) of link rod/steering coupler
with SAE 30W Motor Oil.
5. Inspection and lubrication of steering head assembly (rotary or straight rack) should
be performed once each year (by your Authorized Dealer) or whenever steering
mount and/or steering head are disassembled, or if steering effort has increased. Lu-
bricate with 2-4-C w/Teflon.
90-855347R1 JANUARY 1999
d
a
ATTACHMENTS / CONTROL LINKAGE
WARNING
WARNING
b
c
a 28170
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