Mercury Mariner 200, 225 Optimax Outboards Service Manual, 90-855348, Page 493Get 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 After steering system tension is adjusted correctly, tighten adjustment nuts against mounting bracket to torque of 35 lbft(48.0 Nm) and bend tab lock washer against flat on each nut
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