Bent tilt tube

[exeter27]

I've been rebuilding a 2004 F60 - and got as far as mounting it on my 1987 Whaler 15. Once it was mounted, I went to insert the steering cable (Teleflex) through the tilt tube. It wouldn't go - kept getting jammed. The boat is in storage - but I went to visit it today. While there, I looked through the tilt tube - and it looks like it is bent. That would explain why the steering cable won't go through. I'm not sure why it's bent - as I got the engine used. In fact, the reason for the rebuild (and why I got it) was because the upper engine mount failed - and the owner didn't want to deal with the work to remove the block to replace these. Worked for me - but might also explain the bent tube...maybe.

Regardless, it appears to be bent. The replacement part is 63D-43131-01-00. But, I see on eBay a part from a 1996 F50 that is 63D-43131-00-00. I'd rather go used to save some $$$.

Is this just a superceded part? Would it work? What does that third set of digits mean? Does someone have the secret decoder ring for the meaning of the different sets of numbers?

Thanks in advance!

[boscoe99]

The third set of digits are what Yamaha refers to as Design Code numbers.

The first digit in the third set indicates design differences between the parts when specification differences are involved. Say the difference between a standard size piston and an oversize piston.

The second digit in the third set indicates a design difference for improved durability, quality, appearance or cost.

Generally, dash number changes in the second digit in the third set are interchangeable with previous parts having different numbers.

63D-43131-00-00 has been replaced by the -01-00. However, each part is interchangeable with the other.

Probably more than you wanted to know.

[exeter27]

Thanks boscoe99 - it was exactly what I was hoping for. In fact, I'd expect that someone might have a similar question down the road - and this post will be able to answer their questions. Good to know that the other part will work for me.

Given that most water in Maine is pretty hard right now, I've got a bit of time before I have to pull the trigger. But, if I see a deal that I can jump on - now I'll now that I'm good to go.

Thanks so much.

[robert graham]

Don't suppose that just maybe there is a scale/corrosion/mineral deposits have accumulated inside that tilt tube, and just maybe it could be reamed/cleaned out so it would work?....just an idea....

[exeter27]

Robert, it's possible - but as I sighted through it, there seemed to be a bow in the pipe. If is is corrosion, while I could potentially clean it up, it seems that still might be another reason to replace it.

That said, I put in a "best offer" on a "01-00" model - and got it for $35 dollars shipped to my house. It's used, but in great shape. I'm pleased with that price and will have comfort knowing that a 'status unknown' part has been replaced.

I think I'll use the trick where you use the new tube to push out the old one. Described in many places, but no videos that I can find. Still, shouldn't be too hard.

[robert graham]

Just curious, but how do you suppose your old tube got bent?...I mean, what forces would cause that?....always wondered why these tubes aren't made of stainless steel?....maybe cost?...

[exeter27]

I'm not sure - perhaps it was when the upper engine mounts failed. Or, perhaps it was when it was pulled off the prior boat - and someone lifted it via the tilt tube. Not really sure...

[Sequoiha]

it would be very difficult to bend that tube, really no way to attach to it to lift, I guess they could have dropped it when they took it off and bent it,,

I have run across these tubes with lots of dry grease and corrosion inside them, matter of fact I have a reamer that I use on a drill when I do a steering cable, It cleans the tube out real good,