Hard to turn

[duhn]

I have a 20' sport craft with a 86 merc 150 blackmax motor. It is a bear to turn right, but real easy to turn left. I have the anode trim cranked all the way to help counter this, but it has no effect. Any suggestions. It really makes boating un-pleasant, especially if your hands are wet on the chrome steering wheel.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Hard to turn

Wehn at rest and not moving is it still hard to turn? Your steering cable might need to be taken apart, cleaned and regreased or just plain replaced.

 

[duhn]

Re: Hard to turn

Latley, it has been hard to turn at stand still. I didn't know that the cable can be taken apart and cleaned up. I'll clean it up this weekend. Even before this, it still is difficult to turn right.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hard to turn

how old is the cable?

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Hard to turn

Clean the pivot tube and steering rod also. Use a shotgun brush or thing made for that bore size. Some greases have a wax base and gum things up. Use lithium marine grease or Cable Buddy system (seems to use 90W synthetic oil).

I had a 200 hp with two cables. It had same issues. Cleaning the tube helped, but I should have also tended to the cable also. I didn't know about this forum back them. This forum is great!

 

[duhn]

Re: Hard to turn

how old is the cable?

I've owned the boat for 1 1/2 years. I don't know if the previous owner has replaced it or not.

 

[duhn]

Re: Hard to turn

Has anyone had any experience with Tele-Flex NFB? I'm worried if I get the cables cleaned, I'll still have the problem with it always wanting to turn left.