Frozen Steering

Patchwork114

Recruit
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
1
I have an 81’ Welcraft hull. Mostly everything on this boat has been replaced within the last 12 years. New outdrive in 2000. Major overhaul and repowered in 2010 by my father and I. The Seloc 1964-1991 Mercruiser sterndrives shop manual is my bible for this boat. However the sections on steering and power assisted steering seem to be a bit thin and devoid of any exploded parts diagrams for the power assist assembly.

Back story...I was getting ready for the season and it seems the steering had locked up. Disconnected the steering cable and am going to replace it either way. The first problem is I pulled the pin that I believe attaches the cable end to the linkage. The cable slides but does not come all the way out. It seems to be stuck inside the cylinder. Thoughts on that? After attempting to move the outdrive with the cable detached is appears the problem seems to be from the upper cylinder to which the steering cable is usually attached. The lower power cylinder moves slightly when the linkage torques a bit under pressure from the drive.

Since the steering system was one of maybe 2 things that didn’t get replaced on our rebuild the general consensus is that it might just be time to start fresh. New cable, power assist assembly, pump, hoses, and fluid cooler. We also know there is a leak somewhere in the system as well.

the second part to this question is how does this whole system come out? There are a couple bolts that I could see when sticking my head around. But nothing that really would free up the whole assembly. I’ve already decided I’m going to pull the shift plate assembly and the exhaust elbows and hope that is enough room to get in there without pulling the engine. Anyone have any insight into this? Some pictures are attached and here is a link to what I believe is the correct part. Please advise otherwise.

Thank you,
Patrick

https://www.greatlakesskipper.com/me...yABEgIl5vD_BwE

Details;
1981 Welcraft
Mercruiser 898
Alpha 1 Gen 2
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Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,362
the seloc manual will have erroneous information in it.
 
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