1987 20 hp Evinrude

[Steeger]

Can any one tell me how I can adjust the tension on the lower leg of this out board. As soon as I let go of the throttle to do anything in the boat when trolling it immediately trys to turn the boat 180 degrees.
For the life of me a cant see where I would turn any bolt or screw to increase the tension to the leg.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Solarman]

There should be a nut on the swivel shaft that the motor pivots on at the bottom. I'm not sure if you can tighten it (usually it has a tabbed washer, with the tabs bent up onto the flats of the nut, to prevent it from coming loose from vibrations).

Good luck.

[Steeger]

Re: Tension nut

So are you saying it would be located on the lower rear of the leg or at the front and below the tilt mechanism.
Thx in advance

[Solarman]

Look at the bottom of the clamp/ tilt unit. The motor pivots from side to side at the swivel tube. At the bottom of the swivel tube/shaft is a large nut. That swivel shaft has a grease fitting to keep it lubricated. Look at a parts diagram for your motor. Should show the swivel tube, between the clamp ***y and the motor midsection.

This swivel tube nut is the only tightening point for the swivel tube. If there are parts, or something worn out at the top, or bottom of this swivel tube ***y, causing it to be so loose, those parts may need to be replaced. Otherwise, you may be able to tighten the swivel nut, after bending washer tabs away from flats of nut. If this takes care of your problem re-bend washer tabs back on flats of nut.

Good luck.