Mercury Mariner 200, 225 Optimax Outboards Service Manual, 90-855348, Page 487Get this manual
STEERING SYSTEM TENSION ADJUSTMENT (PARALLEL ROUTED STEERING CABLES) IMPORTANT: For proper operation of this dual cabledual outboard steering installation, there MUST BE proper tension in the steering systemNOT ENOUGH tension will cause slack (play) in steering systemTOO MUCH tension will cause steering cables to bindPerform the following steps to correctly adjust tension Tighten steering cable attaching nuts of each steering cable to torque of 35 lbft(48.0 Nm)
Loosen adjustment nuts and pull steering cable mounting tube (by hand) away from end of steering cable (to remove slack in steering system)Tighten adjustment nuts against mounting bracket and check system for slack (play)If steering system is too tight, readjust tube toward end of steering cable or, if too much slack (play) exists in system, readjust tube away from end of steering cableTighten nuts against mounting bracket and readjust, if necessary
aCable Attaching Nut
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 leftCheck steering thru full range (left and right) at all tilt angles to assure interference-free movement