Outboard Cable Steering - Help Please!

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danncus

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21 Jun 2010
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Wilmslow , Cheshire
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I have a boat fitted with a 90hp Mercury circa 1998. I've owned it for 3 seasons and the is one problem which I think is getting worse...

The outboard steers to the Starboard fully, with the engine hitting it's stop. at this point, the cable operated steering shaft is extended out of the tilt tube.

However there is effectively half the steering angle when the engine is steered the the Port side. the steering shaft does not seem travel fully into the tilt tube. another 35mm of travel would remedy this. From the helm, the steering is slightly spongy, leading me to believe the problem lies at the engine end. when the drop link is removed, the engine moves freely to both ends of its travel.

This weekend I tried to remove the cable from the engine, by removing the big nut which attaches the cable outer to the threaded tube, but the cable outer was stuck to the tube.

I think the problem lies with compressed grease limiting travel?

If I got my heat gun could i melt the grease?

any hints on how to free the cable outer from the tube, or pointers on where the restriction could be would be appreciated!

thanks
 
Try heating the big nut and you may have to hold the other end of the tube with grips tp prevent it turning, if you get it off then you should be able to see the cable moving and see if its giving full travel and if that travel equals what you had when it was connected, a good wash with paraffin or similar and regrease.
 
thanks, I can get the big brass nut off and slid onto the cable outer, I cant separate the steel end of the cable outer is stuck fast onto the tube! whats the best way to remove? hammer the end of the rod?

thanks
 
Warm it, spray it, try and get it to rotate with some stilsons, and tap from other end, should come free as it only goes in about 2 cm if that.
 
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