Seized steering

[peiserma]

I just took off the engine off my boat for its initial rehabilitation (it has not been run in many years). It's an '86 Johnson GT150. All parts of the steering system are seized, except for the cable. But since I had to cut the cable to get the engine off, that is now a moot point.

I do have a factory service manual, but it only covers the engine and not the steering components. I am not yet familiar with all the proper terms, so i will try to describe it as best as i can. I can get pictures up later if needed.

I first disconnected the steering arm from from the motor. The steering arm is actually connected directly to, and an integral part of, the steering cable. It is mounted horizontally through the tilt tube (where the engine tilts). The tilt tube has two grease fittings, and I did add grease. Still no movement. The steering cable nut comes off, but the arm still will not budge except by blunt-force trauma (aka big hammer). It appears like the arm is seized inside the tilt tube. Assuming I can get the arm out of the tilt tube with penetrating oil and some TLC, can the tilt tube be cleaned out and saved without removing it form the bracket? Are there new seals that need to be installed? Or should it be replaced?

Second seizure is the tiller arm. Not sure if that is the right term. It reminds me a little of a tiller on a sailboat, or the tiller on smaller outboards. It is mounted vertically to the midsection, and allows the motor to pivot port and starboard. The steering rod is normally connected to the tiller arm, but I have it disconnected. Even disconnected, I cannot turn the motor except with a BFH (Big *** Hammer). There's one grease fitting, but I can't get any grease in. I could try to put on a new grease fitting, but considering the state of the tilt tube this may be a waste of time.

I know the powerhead and midsection have to come off in order to get to the tiller arm. But before I do this, is it possible to clean out, reseal, and regrease this part? Or should it be replaced? Am I better off buying an entire "stern bracket assembly" that includes the steering components?

Most important, where do I look for parts? Used parts out of a boneyard are OK by me if new is hard to get or astronomically priced. I'm in Wilmington, NC.

Thanks for any advice.