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

```