steering problem

[northwoodsPT]

I have a 19 ft Spectrum fish and ski with a 90 hp mariner with a rack and pinion steering system. The steering on the boat is very stiff. After doing some research on here to diagnose the problem i have found out the following:
-When the cable end is detatched from the engine arm the engine can turn freely.
-When i move the stainless steel end of the cable through the tilt tube by hand, it moves with little difficulty..i also lubed it up, so i know its not corroded into the tube.
-When the engine arm is attatched to the end of the steering cable and i move the entire unit myself it can move fine, but while i am doing this the steering wheel doenst move.

I can turn the boat while driving it, but its very stiff...

any thoughts of what could be going on...is it a faulty part of the cable somewhere near the helm...or do i need a new rack and pinion steering system??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering problem

sound like you have a bad cable. i would replace the complete system with a teleflex, no feed back rotary system. fit's same cutout. easier to install, and superior system. i had the same boat, it made all the difference.

 

[northwoodsPT]

Re: steering problem

Can you replace an existing rack and pinion with a rotary system?
Also, when a cable goes bad do you have to replace the entire steering system or can you just replace the cable...
i am having trouble figuring out how to remove the cable from the helm end of the rack and pinion system.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering problem

i personally throw every rack system i get into the trash. yes you can replace the rack with rotary, and the rotary fits the same holes. i had a 90hp johnson on my spectrum, it was on the overpowered side. the no feed back made it much easier to controll. no feed back means you don't have to keep you hand on the wheel at all times. you can reach for that soda, etc.
http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex_NFB_...14764890--**********.086717692--view_id.40280

 

[northwoodsPT]

Re: steering problem

Thanks for the advice....in terms of removing the old system...to get the cable out of the tilt tube should i just cut the old one then pull out the engine end...
then for the steering end do i need to remove the whole wheel to get that end off the cable removed?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering problem

pull the wheel should be bolt behind it. you can cut the cable, with a sawsall, and metal blade, it is a job. then back the rod out. but if you have a space problem it is probably better to lift the motor, because the new cable has to go in. get the motor end in first, then fish the cable thru the boat, and remount the motor.

 

[northwoodsPT]

Re: steering problem

If i did manage to get the cable cut, can you install the new system without taking the motor off the boat...?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: steering problem

You can, IF you have enough room to make the cable turn the corner and go into the tilt tube. I was able to do that on mine but it was close.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: steering problem

when i did mine, i had total replace the interior. and had the steering in place before mount the motor, so mine was easy, as i installed the cable as i was mounting the motor. once mounted i would not have had room.