Excessive play and stiffness in Ultraflex new helm and cable steering

[richardinwales]

I recently installed a new Ultraflex T85 helm and M66 cable in my Warrior 165, the main problem with it is the excessive free play in the steering but also it's quite stiff to turn,
does anyone know, is this normal with Ultaflex?

 

[Seastoke]

Was it stiff before you replaced it.

 

[richardinwales]

Even more so, the reason we fitted a new one which is better but not easy, also the excessive free movement in the steering, this seems to be just as bad with the new cable.

 

[scottie]

what rudder drive setup ?

 

[richardinwales]

It's an outboard, 60hp Mariner.

 

[scottie]

How easy is the engine to swivel?
does it make a difference if engine is running and in gear?
also check that the tilt tube that the cable goes through is clean and free from corrosion
i would be checking cable length is correct as basic and there are no over tight bends or too large radius beings
also is age an issue

 

[richardinwales]

The engine swivels freely, tilt tube is free of corrosion and well greased, cable length is a little long but the closest we could get and there is a large radius to cope with the extra length.
Age is not an issue either with the cable/helm, both of which are new or with myself (although getting a bit long in the tooth), the excessive play appears to be in the helm as there is
no resistance at all.

 

[scottie]

Excess cable length will exaggerate both play and drag
if there are no other obvious problems then disconnect the cable and see how much shorter a cable you could use
the long sweeping bend is actually worse than being too tight as on bends the inner cable is dragging on the side of the conduit it runs on straight runs with tight bends make a shorter rubbing surface and acentuates slop that you wind up every time you alter direction especially at low speed
get hold of a set of fitting instructions for any cable system whether is engine control or steering will explain better

 

[richardinwales]

Thanks for the help and info, will look at all things you have mentioned

 

[richardinwales]

Thanks for the help and info, will look at all things you have mentioned

Done everything including changing a new M66 16ft cable for a 15ft which virtually eliminates any excess length, still have what I consider to be, excessive play and heavy handling.

 

[jrudge]

The helm has a pinion arrangement which I suspect it worn giving play. Is the cable free to move if disconnected ? Is the cable old stock ? You need to determine where the stiffness is coming from

 

[richardinwales]

Both the helm and cable are brand new and appeared to move quite freely before connecting as the engine did.