Using the Reactor 40 Kicker In Salt Water Environments

The Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot was designed with saltwater in mind. Garmin has evaluated and built this product to hold up to the harsh environments along the coast. 

Routine Maintenance

At least twice a year the following should be performed remove the steering actuator from the tilt tube and complete the following. 

• Clean the pushrod on the steering actuator to remove all grease and rust 

• Clean the inside of the tilt tube to remove all grease and rust 

Before reinstalling the steering actuator in the tilt tube, it must have white lithium grease applied.

Cable Connections

• Clean the cable connectors, and re-apply dielectric grease to remove and prevent corrosion

Stainless Steel Tilt Tube

If users have a Yamaha or Honda outboard with a mild steel tilt tube, it is required that the Yamaha or Honda mild steel tilt tube be replaced with the Garmin Steel Tilt Tube PN: 010-12826-03.  The mild steel tilt tube is susceptible to rust is saltwater or brackish marine environments. Once the mild steel tilt tube is corroded it will damage the Garmin Steering Actuator, causing it to seize-up or accelerated wear, voiding the Garmin warranty.

Pro-tip: Installing the Stainless Tilt Tube

The trim and tilt mount where the mild tilt tube is installed has plastic washers inside that are easily misaligned or could be damaged when replacing the tilt tube. The following steps will help conduct the project and protect the plastic washers inside the mount. See the circled area for washer placement. 

1. Add a support or jack under the skeg

2. Loosen the nut to the end of the mild steel tube

3. Use a soft hammer or place a wood block between the end of the mild steel tube and hammer until the nut is flush with the frame. This protects the end of the mild steel tube

4. Place the nut on the end of the new stainless steel tilt tube (hammer end)

5. Use a soft hammer or block of wood to follow the mild steel-tube through the rest of the way and install the new stainless-steel tube

6. Tighten the nut when the new stainless steel tube is installed

See Stainless Steel Tilt Tube for more information.

See Manuals to find the Installation or Owners manual for a specific device or system.