lathem steering - too hot
 

After about a half hour of driving, the helm gets so hot that you cannot touch it. Is this normal? If not, what could the problem be.

Keep in mind that 140 deg F is too hot to hold your hand on. It can run fine at 200 deg, but it's a good idea to get the temp down because the lines can be in places that temps like that could hurt something (or someone). If it didn't run that warm before, I would check your cooler and also the filter, if there is one. The later model Merc Racing motors went to a more effective ps cooler, if that helps.