Ultraflex T67 Helm - Free Play

[AP3]

Hi All,

My little boat (13ft DQD) has an Ultraflex T67 helm, with an M58 cable.

There's about 5 inches of free play at the wheel, before the outboard will turn. During this free play, I can see the cable moving as I turn the wheel, so I'm guessing that the helm is OK, but the cable is the issue. Does this sound right?

Weirdly the cable appears to be 13ft, which is as long as the boat, but the steering is on a console at the back! I can't find any coils, it seems to run straight back to the outboard (easy to see on these boats), which is strange.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[Assassin]

Surely there is some adjustment somewhere as all cables stretch and need tightening periodically.

 

[AP3]

How can I adjust the cable? There's a friction screw at the bottom of the helm, but that's about it.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[scottie]

Surely there is some adjustment somewhere as all cables stretch and need tightening periodically.

Single push pull cable

 

[scottie]

The cable inner is wire with a spiral over wrapping wire this engages in grooves machined in the large drum which is subject to wear
Solution may be to replace cablewheel if you can get one
Length is normally distance back plus 1/2 beam perhaps nearer 10ft

 

[Zing]

That play is enormous. I can’t imagine how it could add up to that much. You can’t adjust it out, but you may be able to tighten connections up. If the play is combined with a lot of stiffnes then the cable may be corroded and stretching. If so, then replace. You should be able to obseve every section to see where the slop is coming from. Check also to see that the wheel end of the cable is clamped at the gearbox.

 

[scottie]

That play is enormous. I can’t imagine how it could add up to that much. You can’t adjust it out, but you may be able to tighten connections up. If the play is combined with a lot of stiffnes then the cable may be corroded and stretching. If so, then replace. You should be able to obseve every section to see where the slop is coming from. Check also to see that the wheel end of the cable is clamped at the gearbox.

Not quite so bad if it’s measured at the rim of the wheel

 

[stelican]

It is possible that the outer sleeve of the cable has worn internally allowing the cable to move side to side (particularly on the bends) before pushing against the greater resistance of the motor. this is very common on push -pull cable systems. There is no adjustment for this problem just ensure no play in linkages and well lubricated.

 

[AP3]

Scottie, you're right, I'm measuring the play around the diameter of the wheel.

All connections look fine, it'd bolted right up to the tilt tube on the outboard, and bolted to the helm gearbox tightly. When I refer to the cable moving during the free play, this is the length of cable that exits the helm as you turn. There's no movement at the back until the slack is taken up, then the outboard will start to move.

Is a cable likely to be enough, or should I replace the helm as well? I doubt I will be able to get the (plastic) steering wheel off without mangling it!