Multiflex T1 / T2 / T3 Twin Engine Tie Rod

The Multiflex T1, T2 and T3 Twin Engine Tie Rods connect two compatible outboard engines so that both engines move together through the steering range. Manufactured from stainless steel and roll-threaded at both ends, the range includes an 800mm T1, a 600mm T2 and an adjustable 650-950mm T3. Multiflex specifies the tie rods for compatible twin-engine mechanical and hydraulic steering installations, subject to the engine spacing, steering geometry and connection requirements of the complete system. Product Identification Brand: Multiflex Models / item codes: T1, T2 and T3 Manufacturer part numbers: LM-T-1, LM-T-2 and LM-T-3 Product category: Twin-engine steering tie rod Alternative descriptions: Tie bar, engine connecting rod or twin-outboard steering link Engine configuration: Twin outboard engines Steering-system compatibility: Compatible mechanical and hydraulic steering systems Material: Stainless steel Thread construction: Roll-threaded at both ends T1 length: 800mm / approximately 31.5in T2 length: 600mm / approximately 23.6in T3 adjustment range: 650-950mm / approximately 25.6-37.4in T1 configuration: Fixed-length bar that can be shortened for the installation T2 configuration: Fixed-length bar that can be shortened for the installation T3 configuration: Adjustable tie rod Primary function: Connects the steering movement of two outboard engines Stainless-steel grade: Not stated in the current Multiflex product data Maximum steering load: Not stated Maximum combined engine horsepower: Not stated What Is a Twin Engine Tie Rod Used For? A twin-engine tie rod connects the steering attachment points of two outboard engines. When the steering system moves the primary engine, the tie rod transfers that movement to the second engine so both outboards turn together. The tie rod can form part of a correctly specified: Twin-outboard mechanical steering system Twin-outboard hydraulic steering system Single-steering-cable twin-engine installation Twin-engine system using a suitable steering cylinder New twin-engine installation Replacement of a compatible existing tie rod Installation requiring a fixed or adjustable engine connecting bar The tie rod is one component within the complete steering system. It does not replace the steering helm, steering cable, hydraulic cylinder or engine-specific attachment components. What Is Included? This listing is for one selected Multiflex tie rod kit: Multiflex T1 / LM-T-1 800mm tie rod Multiflex T2 / LM-T-2 600mm tie rod Multiflex T3 / LM-T-3 adjustable 650-950mm tie rod Not included unless expressly stated: Mechanical steering cable Steering helm Hydraulic steering cylinder Hydraulic hoses Hydraulic steering pump Engine tiller arms Engine-specific adaptor plates Engine-side steering brackets Steering wheel A second tie rod Other installation-specific steering hardware Which Models and Sizes Are Available? Multiflex T1 / LM-T-1 Nominal length: 800mm / approximately 31.5in Configuration: Fixed-length tie rod Material: Stainless steel Threads: Roll-threaded at both ends Installation adjustment: Can be cut to the required length Application: Compatible twin-engine mechanical or hydraulic steering systems Multiflex T2 / LM-T-2 Nominal length: 600mm / approximately 23.6in Configuration: Fixed-length tie rod Material: Stainless steel Threads: Roll-threaded at both ends Installation adjustment: Can be cut to the required length Application: Compatible twin-engine mechanical or hydraulic steering systems Multiflex T3 / LM-T-3 Minimum length: 650mm / approximately 25.6in Maximum length: 950mm / approximately 37.4in Configuration: Adjustable tie rod Material: Stainless steel Threads: Roll-threaded at both ends Application: Compatible twin-engine mechanical or hydraulic steering systems Supplier-listed end design: Ball-type stainless-steel rod ends with threaded bolts Which Tie Rod Should Be Selected? Select T2 / LM-T-2 where a 600mm fixed rod provides sufficient length or can be correctly shortened. Select T1 / LM-T-1 where an 800mm fixed rod provides sufficient length or can be correctly shortened. Select T3 / LM-T-3 where the required installed length falls within the adjustable 650-950mm range. Before ordering, check: Distance between the two engine steering connection points Engine make and model Position of each engine tiller arm Required engine alignment Steering-system type Connection-bolt or rod-end requirements Available clearance Engine tilt movement Full port and starboard steering movement Required thread engagement Whether a fixed rod can be safely shortened Can the T1 and T2 Be Cut to Size? Yes. The fixed T1 and T2 tie rods can be shortened to suit the engine installation. Cutting must not leave insufficient threaded engagement or damage the roll-threaded section required by the steering connection. Before modifying a fixed tie rod: Confirm the required finished length Identify where the rod can be shortened Confirm the required thread engagement at both ends Follow current Multiflex installation instructions Use appropriate metal-cutting equipment Remove sharp edges after cutting Do not damage the remaining threads Do not heat, bend or weld the steering rod Confirm that both end connections remain secure Test the complete steering system before use Is the T3 Cut to Size or Adjusted? The T3 is the adjustable model and should normally be set within its published 650-950mm range. The current Multiflex product data do not instruct installers to cut the T3. It should not be shortened outside its intended adjustment method unless current Multiflex technical instructions specifically permit it. During adjustment: Keep adequate threaded engagement at both ends Set the required installed length Align both engines correctly Secure all adjustment and locking components Confirm that the rod length cannot change in service Check steering and tilt clearance before operating the boat What Does Roll-Threaded at Both Ends Mean? Each T1, T2 and T3 tie rod is specified with roll-threaded ends. The threaded ends accept the corresponding steering connection or rod-end components at both engines. The current Multiflex product data do not state: Thread diameter Thread pitch Thread direction Minimum permitted thread engagement Tightening torque Locknut specification These details must be confirmed from the supplied components and current installation instructions. Are the T1, T2 and T3 Stainless Steel? Yes. Multiflex describes all three models as stainless-steel tie rod kits. The available manufacturer data do not specify: Stainless-steel grade 304 stainless steel 316 stainless steel Surface passivation process Electropolishing specification Salt-spray test standard The products should therefore be described as stainless steel without assigning an unsupported grade. Can These Tie Rods Be Used with Mechanical Steering? Yes. Multiflex lists T1, T2 and T3 for compatible twin-engine mechanical steering systems. A typical mechanical installation may use: Steering wheel Mechanical steering helm Mechanical steering cable Engine link arm Primary outboard steering tiller Multiflex twin-engine tie rod Secondary outboard steering tiller Can These Tie Rods Be Used with Hydraulic Steering? Yes. Current Multiflex product data also identify the T1, T2 and T3 for compatible hydraulic steering systems. Compatibility depends on: Hydraulic cylinder configuration Number of steering cylinders Engine-side cylinder brackets Tiller-arm design Tie-rod attachment points Engine spacing Steering travel System pressure and load rating Engine manufacturer requirements Do the Tie Rods Suit All Twin Outboard Engines? No. The tie rods are universal-style connection components for compatible twin-outboard installations, but they should not be treated as direct fitments for every engine pair. Correct fitment depends on: Engine manufacturer Engine model Engine production year Engine tiller-arm design Distance between steering connections Bolt and thread requirements Steering-system geometry Engine mounting height Transom layout Full steering movement Full engine tilt movement Can the Tie Rod Be Used on a Single Outboard Engine? No. The T1, T2 and T3 are specifically identified for twin-engine installations. A tie rod connects the steering movement of two engines. It is not a replacement for the shorter link arm normally used between a steering cable and a single outboard engine. Does the Tie Rod Replace the Steering Cable or Cylinder? No. The tie rod links the two engines together. The primary steering force is still generated by the boat's mechanical steering cable, hydraulic steering cylinder or other correctly specified steering actuator. The tie rod does not replace: Steering helm Steering cable Hydraulic pump Hydraulic cylinder Steering wheel Engine-specific cylinder brackets Is There a Maximum Horsepower Rating? The current T1, T2 and T3 Multiflex product data do not state a maximum individual-engine horsepower, combined-engine horsepower, steering load, safe working load or proof load. The steering installation must be governed by the lowest-rated component in the complete system and the boat and engine manufacturers' requirements. How Should the Engines Be Checked After Installation? Centre both outboard engines Confirm that the tie rod is securely attached Check the required thread engagement Secure all locknuts and retaining hardware Move the steering fully to port Move the steering fully to starboard Confirm that both engines move together Check that neither engine reaches its mechanical stop prematurely Check that the tie rod does not contact either engine Check clearance around the transom and splashwell Tilt both engines through their permitted ranges Confirm that the tie rod does not bind during tilt Check the steering again with the engines lowered Inspect all connections after the initial test Recheck the installation after the first use Construction and Design Multiflex twin-engine steering tie rods Models T1, T2 and T3 Extended references LM-T-1, LM-T-2 and LM-T-3 Stainless-steel construction Designed to connect two outboard engines Suitable for compatible mechanical steering systems Suitable for compatible hydraulic steering systems Roll-threaded at both ends T1 supplied at 800mm nominal length T2 supplied at 600mm nominal length T1 and T2 can be shortened for installation T3 adjustable from 650mm to 950mm T3 adjustment span of 300mm No electrical components No hydraulic components within the tie rod itself Stainless-steel grade not stated Thread dimensions not stated Maximum steering load not stated Maximum horsepower rating not stated Model-specific engine list not published Installation and Safety Before installing a Multiflex T1, T2 or T3: Confirm that the product is suitable for a twin-engine installation Confirm whether the steering system is mechanical or hydraulic Verify compatibility with both outboard engines Measure between the actual steering attachment points Select the correct tie-rod length or adjustment range Confirm the required engine alignment Verify the thread and rod-end compatibility Check that all required engine brackets are present Maintain adequate thread engagement at both ends Follow current Multiflex installation instructions Shorten T1 or T2 only where the installation instructions permit Do not cut T3 unless explicitly permitted by Multiflex Do not heat, bend or weld the tie rod Remove any cutting debris and sharp edges Secure all locknuts and retaining components Use the tightening torques specified by the engine and steering manufacturers Confirm that both engines move together Check steering from full port to full starboard lock Check clearance throughout the engine tilt range Ensure the tie rod does not contact the transom or splashwell Ensure neither engine is forced against its steering stop Inspect the rod for bending, looseness or corrosion Replace any damaged or distorted component Do not operate the boat if the tie rod binds or has excessive free movement Do not exceed the rating of the lowest-rated steering component Twin-engine steering is safety-critical. Installation and adjustment should be completed according to current Multiflex, steering-system and engine instructions by a competent marine technician. Key Features Multiflex T1, T2 and T3 twin-engine tie rods Designed to connect two compatible outboard engines Suitable for compatible mechanical steering systems Suitable for compatible hydraulic steering systems Stainless-steel tie rod construction Roll-threaded at both ends T1 / LM-T-1 supplied at 800mm T2 / LM-T-2 supplied at 600mm T1 and T2 can be cut to suit the installation T3 / LM-T-3 adjustable from 650mm to 950mm T3 provides 300mm of total length adjustment Fixed and adjustable versions available Mechanical steering components supplied separately Hydraulic steering components supplied separately Engine-specific brackets supplied separately unless expressly stated Exact loose-hardware contents not itemised Stainless-steel grade not published Thread size and pitch not published Maximum steering load not published Maximum combined horsepower not published T3 600-950mm retailer wording conflicts with the 650-950mm manufacturer specification Engine spacing and connection geometry must be confirmed before ordering Specification T1 / LM-T-1 T2 / LM-T-2 T3 / LM-T-3 Brand Multiflex Multiflex Multiflex Model / Item Code T1 T2 T3 Manufacturer Part Number LM-T-1 LM-T-2 LM-T-3 Product Category Twin-Engine Steering Tie Rod Twin-Engine Steering Tie Rod Twin-Engine Steering Tie Rod Engine Configuration Twin Outboard Engines Twin Outboard Engines Twin Outboard Engines Primary Function Connects the Steering Movement of Two Engines Connects the Steering Movement of Two Engines Connects the Steering Movement of Two Engines Material Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless-Steel Grade Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated Rod Configuration Fixed Length Fixed Length Adjustable Length Nominal Length 800mm / Approximately 31.5in 600mm / Approximately 23.6in 650-950mm / Approximately 25.6-37.4in Minimum Length Installation-Dependent After Approved Cutting Installation-Dependent After Approved Cutting 650mm / Approximately 25.6in Maximum Length 800mm / Approximately 31.5in 600mm / Approximately 23.6in 950mm / Approximately 37.4in Published Adjustment Span Not Applicable as an Adjustable Assembly Not Applicable as an Adjustable Assembly 300mm Can Be Cut to Size Yes, Subject to Correct Thread Engagement and Installation Instructions Yes, Subject to Correct Thread Engagement and Installation Instructions Not Specified; Use the Published Adjustment Mechanism Thread Construction Roll-Threaded at Both Ends Roll-Threaded at Both Ends Roll-Threaded at Both Ends Thread Diameter Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated Thread Pitch Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated Mechanical Steering Application Compatible Twin-Engine Systems Compatible Twin-Engine Systems Compatible Twin-Engine Systems Hydraulic Steering Application Compatible Twin-Engine Systems Compatible Twin-Engine Systems Compatible Twin-Engine Systems Single-Engine Application No – Specified for Twin-Engine Installations No – Specified for Twin-Engine Installations No – Specified for Twin-Engine Installations T3 Alternative Retailer Range Not Applicable Not Applicable Some Retailer Titles State 600-950mm T3 Manufacturer Range Not Applicable Not Applicable 650-950mm Rod-End Design Not Itemised in Current Manufacturer Product Data Not Itemised in Current Manufacturer Product Data Ball-Type Stainless-Steel Rod Ends Listed by Specialist Supplier Exact Loose-Hardware Contents Not Itemised Not Itemised Not Fully Itemised Steering Cable Included No No No Hydraulic Cylinder Included No No No Engine-Specific Brackets Included Not Identified as Included Not Identified as Included Not Identified as Included Maximum Steering Load Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated Maximum Combined Horsepower Not Stated Not Stated Not Stated by Current Manufacturer Product Data Direct-Fit Confirmation Confirm Required Length, Threads, Engine Connections and Steering Clearance Confirm Required Length, Threads, Engine Connections and Steering Clearance Confirm 650-950mm Range, Threads, Engine Connections and Steering Clearance