3.0 Mercruiser - Stiff Steering

[bedpan]

Hey Folks.. Been reading through the threads trying to find some direction.

I have a 2005 Larson SEI 180 with a 3.0L Merc.

Last year I noticed the steering start to get real stiff towards the end of the season. I thought it was related to the cold at first as I could work it loose with a few turns of the wheel. By the time I pulled the boat out in October though it was getting worse.

I am trying to figure out my steps to troubleshooting the issue. It sounds like from what I have been able to find so far the steering cable is a likely culprit.

So directions on troubleshooting this? Disconnecting the cable on the engine side should isolate if cable is stiff or something in the powersteering or mechanics of the outdrive pivots. I snapped some pictures of things in the fall and attached the main ones of interest.

Is it as easy as unscrewing the stainless coupling on the hydraulic cylinder in the first photo? What are the steps to remove it and put it back together for testing? Thoughts on where to go from here?

I have done little work on a boat but am comfortable attacking most jobs in a car. With a little direction and guidance I have not found many jobs I have not been able to work my way through. Your advise and guidance is greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!

Mike

 

[Bondo]

Is it as easy as unscrewing the stainless coupling on the hydraulic cylinder in the first photo?

Ayuh,..... Unscrew the big nut in the 1st picture, unhook the pin from the end of the cable, 'n pull the cable outa the aluminum tube,....

Odds are, there's corrosion, 'n crud bindin' the cable end inside the tube,...

Grease it up real good, 'n put it back together,...

Hopefully that'll cure yer problem,....

 

[bedpan]

Thanks Bondo..

Lets hope I don't make things worse I will try and pull it apart this weekend and see what it reveals. Any idea what a replacement cable is worth or how I would track down a part number?

Ayuh,..... Unscrew the big nut in the 1st picture, unhook the pin from the end of the cable, 'n pull the cable outa the aluminum tube,....

Odds are, there's corrosion, 'n crud bindin' the cable end inside the tube,...

Grease it up real good, 'n put it back together,...

Hopefully that'll cure yer problem,....

 

[Bondo]

Any idea what a replacement cable is worth or how I would track down a part number?

Ayuh,.... At the top of this page, or in my signature, click on the boat parts link, 'n follow the prompts to steerin' cable, 'n helm Kits,.....

There's explanations to determine which helm, 'n how long a cable ya need,....

 

[bedpan]

Thanks again..

I thought it was an actual Merc cable.... I will test the cable and pull it this weekend if needed. From there hopefully I can figure out a part number else measure it up and order.

Cheers,

Mike

Ayuh,.... At the top of this page, or in my signature, click on the boat parts link, 'n follow the prompts to steerin' cable, 'n helm Kits,.....

There's explanations to determine which helm, 'n how long a cable ya need,....

 

[Bondo]

I thought it was an actual Merc cable....

Ayuh,.... Probably teliflex or morse, or u-flex,....

The length should be stamped/ printed within a couple feet of one end or the other,....

But again, odds are the cable is just fine, 'n there's corrosion in the tube,....

 

[bedpan]

Cable is out. Stifffffff. Time for a new cable. Man that thing is awkward to get at the cotterpin to free it up.. not much room in there..

Thanks for the help. Wish I could find a cable today. Lo g weekend up here in Canada. I want to go boating!

Ayuh,.... Probably teliflex or morse, or u-flex,....

The length should be stamped/ printed within a couple feet of one end or the other,....

But again, odds are the cable is just fine, 'n there's corrosion in the tube,....

 

[bedpan]

So I spent the weekend polishing and waxing the boat as I could not put it in the water. I guess that works out ok. Got her good an shiny now.

So I have ordered a replacement cable based on the part number stamped on the old one. It due in Thursday so hopefully get the boat in the water on the weekend.

Wondering what prep and cleanup I should do prior to installing the new cable? Should I be spraying the cylinder out with some carb cleaner (saw on another discussion) and scrub it out?, grease it all up before install and call it day?

Also any trick to aligning the rack to center for steering? I guess hook up the rack and dial it all the way to one side, push the motor over then hook it up. Thoughts and answers are truly appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Wondering what prep and cleanup I should do prior to installing the new cable? Should I be spraying the cylinder out with some carb cleaner (saw on another discussion) and scrub it out?, grease it all up before install and call it day?

Ayuh,.... A 12ga. shotgun cleanin' brush works Great for cleanin' the aluminum tube,....

Slather the grease to it after,....

 

[bedpan]

Just wanted to update.

New cable is in and steering is buttery smooth now. I appreciate the help and direction provided.

Many thanks,

Mike

Ayuh,.... A 12ga. shotgun cleanin' brush works Great for cleanin' the aluminum tube,....

Slather the grease to it after,....

 

[Kniemann13]

Hello!

I am having a similar issue on my 1992 Bayliner Classic 1950. Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha One. Takes the strength of Thor to turn this thing. I removed the steering cable on the back end and the steering wheel turns much easier all the way in both directions. Maybe not as easy as it should be? (Takes one hand turning it by palm). So I assume the steering cable is good? The grease in the aluminum tube looks to still be good, at least on the edges. I will take the cable out of the tube and get a better look tomorrow.
In the event that the cable is good, and the aluminum tube isn’t caked up, what would the next thing to check be? Was really hoping to have a stiff cable as this seems like an easy fix, but now I’m not so sure that that is the issue.

I hope this is the right place to ask this question, and I appreciate any help.