2000 TC Tie Bar

[John S]

Hello all,
The tie bar between my 2 motors has always been problematic and non-standard. Teleflex doesn’t recognize my rod ends as there’s.
The bolt thru the ends connecting to the tiller arm adapter is loose and floppy. Either the hole is worn large or they installed a smaller bolt than the hole.
The looseness allows the motors to tilt separately and I’m 99% sure this bar is original from the factory.

Looking for ideas to bring this more standard. Any other TC owners out there deal with this already?

Thanks!

 

[Molly Brown]

I had that exact same ends on my boat with 2003 Hondas. When I repowered to Suzukis I was unable to find brackets that were long enough to accommodate the tie bar. Mine was 65" long. There was some slop in mine too. There is what I can best describe as a "wavy" washer that is supposed to go between the bolt head where it passes through the end. I was never able to find the correct one. One issue we always had was that because of the bracket length every time we tilted up the motors it would rub/crush all the wiring on the starboard side. Couldn't use a shorter motor bracket because then the tie bar wouldn't clear the dive platform. Since we couldn't make it all work satisfactorily with the new motors we put 2 steering cylinders on.
So, if you can find the appropriate washer that should solve the problem. It's function is to allow everything to move and twist while still applying pressure to the joint between the bracket and the tie bar.

James

 

[John S]

Since we couldn't make it all work satisfactorily with the new motors we put 2 steering cylinders on.

James

That’s one interesting solution!
That is a strange beveled spacer under the connector.
I’ve also had to modify my swim step some to prevent the bar from rubbing the underside of it.

Still interested to hear from any other TC owners who have dealt with this bar.

Thanks

 

[Molly Brown]

I had to chuckle when I read your post. The solution might appear "interesting" but I can tell you it was expensive, lol. Anyway, I checked around to see what the TC255 owners have and was surprised that none used a solid tie bar even though the motors are mounted on brackets. I suppose if they did it would restrict access to the dive ladder between the motors. One distinct advantage is that motor trim is totally independent, unlike with the solid tie bar I would get some binding up happen. Worked well enough for 18 years so no real complaints but I admit the twin cylinder set up is super sweet.

Take care,
James