God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

[Scuda11]

Hi Guys. 200hp Johnson, 20ft Proline CC.<br /><br />Finally worked the nut free on my starboard side of the tilt/trim to get at my steering cable. Now I have one more question.<br /><br />Without pulling it all the way out, I have cleaned all old grease, etc. Can I use my Lubrimatic Power Trim and Tilt Fluid to lube it up, it's pretty thin and I think it would work well, but wanted to ask the gurus first.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Scott

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

I have had the best luck with a lube spray called "one lube " made by slick 50 I believe.It is thin and does not dry.I have not used grease on that part in years.Charlie

 

[Scuda11]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

Thanks Charlie, I wil try that, I esp like the SPRAY part....<br /><br />I just did it with the trim and lube cause I read closer and it said for steering systems too, but I will try that next time for sure.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[Scuda11]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

One more question: It stills turn real rough to the left, and whatever direction I am going AGAINST, if you know what I mean.<br /><br />If I want to take out the whole steering "rod", can I bang on the rod a little with a rubber mallet or piece of wood, or would that damage it?<br /><br />thanks!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

I would repeat this several times first.Turn till rod is all the way out,spray with pb blaster and retract and wipe off with paper towel.I would do this no less than 25 times.The dirt will keep coming out.It will get easier as you go,it just takes time.2 people make it easier.Before hitting it I would attach a vise grip pliers to the flat end and turn 1/4 bach and forward as you pull it out.If you are patient,you wont have to do this.Charlie

 

[jlshields]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

20.5 years in the Coast Guard and you say 'left' instead of 'port'??

 

[Scuda11]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

lol JL, good point.

 

[Scuda11]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

Update question: Should this rod just pull all the way out? It feels like there is resistance and I dont want to break anything. <br /><br />How is it attached to cable?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[jofish]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

Still Learning, Call me old fashioned but I use a light coating of 3&1 oil, clean all grease from the shaft lay a rag under the shaft and run a line of it on the shaft let set for a minute and then turn your sterring from stop to stop a few times, the steering cable on my boat is 15 years old and you can turn it with one finger.Do this at the begining and end of each season and steering won't be a issue... Good Luck

 

[Chris1956]

Re: God Bless PB Blaster - update on Steering

The rod should completely come out via the Nut or Starboard side. If the end of the rod is mushroomed due to hammering, it may get stuck. If so file/grind it down. If you do pull it out completely, you can clean the rod and the tube completely. The rod will wipe clean using some solvent. The tube can be cleaned with a wire brush pipe cleaner. I would then lube both with marine grease or special steering rod lubricant (merc makes 'Special Lubricant 101', Johnson probably has their own brand), and reassemble. lube it a couple of times a year, and you should be set!